Lot 718: 1909 Wolseley-Siddeley 14hp Four Seat Tourer

The 14hp Wolseley-Siddeley of 1909 was a mid-range car from this mighty manufacturer, backed by the enormous resources of Vickers Sons & Maxim. It was powered by a 14hp engine of four cylinders, cast in pairs, driving through a cone clutch to a three-speed gearbox with shaft drive to the rear axle. The company manufactured their own coachwork, the side entrance tourer being the most prolific style offered, while grander coachwork was chosen for the larger luxury cars, significantly the choice of Royalty, Queen Alexandra being an aficionado of the marque.

This car was delivered new to its original owner, a Mr Oliver Fry of Blackrock, County Dublin, in 1909. Although its full history is not recorded, it is known that it was in preservation in 1952, its then owner keeping the car for some eighteen years and thoroughly overhauling the mechanical aspects in 1968, prior to selling the car to Denis Lucey in 1970. Dashboard plates record supply by Booth Bros of Dublin and also by G A Britain of Earlsfort Garage, Dublin (their Register number being no.86). Presumably one plate refers to the supply of the car when new and one when second-hand. This highly original car is presented in dark green livery with black wings and fine red coachlining and is generously equipped with brass fittings. Self-contained acetylene headlamps are by Salsbury Flario and the car has Lucas no.724 oil side lamps and a Lucas ‘King of the Road’ rear lamp. The interior is furnished in red, diamond-buttoned, pleated upholstery and a two-piece folding windscreen and excellent hood and frame provide driver and passenger comforts. Dashboard equipment includes a Stewart speedometer and mileage recorder and a dashboard clock. The car enjoys the benefit of detachable rims and carries a spare rim and tyre on the offside running board. Luggage accommodation is provided by a practical locker under the rear seat and also a luggage carrier.

The author can write with authority on the subject of practical and reliable motoring provided by this model having covered in excess of 100,000 miles in a 14hp Wolseley-Siddeley of this year. IK 528 is recorded in the current V.C.C. List of Members Cars but has not been formally dated by that organisation.