1937 Lanchester Road Rider DL

An early ‘new’ Roadrider De luxe (DL) this example was first registered in 1937.

In its current ownership - since October 2020 - the car has been used sparingly and maintained by Cotswold Classic Cars. Reportedly included in this maintenance has been a gearbox check-over, engine rebuild, replacement ash roof for the ‘sunshine roof’ and other works and servicing.

Garaged whilst in the care of the current owner in more recent times (and kept at CCC prior to this) the car appears to be in excellent mechanical health, and makes for a guaranteed talking point wherever it goes.

Now, offered for sale due to a lack of use and time, this Lanchester Road Rider De luxe would make for an excellent aesthetic project, that can be used, enjoyed and shown off, yet still retains plenty of potential for upgrades to its bodywork and appearance.

Finished in a combination of green and back with RAF roundels, it is unclear whether this Lanchester ever played a part in the Second World War, though it is known that models such as this were used by RAF and military staff in England throughout the conflict, so it is entirely possible.

The bodywork is in presentable condition overall, though there is certainly room for improvement for an owner looking to take this already eye-catching car to the next level.

The paintwork, for example, is cracked in several places (most notably along the central coachline on the doors between green/black paint) and exhibits a number of other areas of blemishes, scratches, stone chips, bubbling and flaking on account of its age, the most prominent of which are shown in the extensive photo gallery.

Equally, the bodywork itself is showing its age in a number of places, particularly inside the door shuts above the running boards, seen when the doors are opened fully.

The various chrome details and fixtures - including those fantastic driving lights - are in good condition overall, exhibiting a commensurate usage patina and dulling in a few places, as you’d expect.

All four of the so-called ‘easy-clean’ wheels are in great shape, and wrapped in WayMaster tyres. Whilst the rears look to be OK, the front tyres are both perished and showing cracks in the sidewalls, and would be best replaced before the car sees any major use.

Moving inside, the cabin has a wonderful and genuine patina and ageing, which is delightful to behold and certainly fits the character of the car very well indeed.

The seats exhibit the usual creasing and light cracking to the surface that comes with age, but there did not appear to be any rips or major blemishes to the seat covers that we could see.

The various wooden trimmings around the cabin are weathered and worn to varying degrees, along with the high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, column-mounted controls and other high-traffic areas.

Down below, the carpets and over-mats would benefit from a thorough valeting and cleaning, but are in presentable condition. There are some signs of wear-and-tear around the door apertures, as shown in the gallery.

In the rear, the spare wheel and tool kit are present. The vendor notes that the fuel gauge and speedometer are inoperable, as are the windscreen wipers.

Under the bonnet, the inline-six engine appears to be in excellent health, and has reportedly been rebuilt in recent years by a renowned specialist.

Once running, the engine is remarkably smooth and quiet, behaving admirably throughout our photo shoot with no overheating issues, running or driving problems, nor any untoward noises emanating from below the bonnet.

We did note that the transmission was slightly reluctant to engage reverse gear, but otherwise no issues were noted or reported by the seller.

A number of photographs showing the chassis and underside have been included in the gallery for your assessment.

On account of its age, the car is exempt from mandatory MoT examinations.

Included with the car is the V5 registered keepers document in the seller's name, showing 3 former keepers.

The car has reportedly had a new ash sunroof surround, engine rebuild, gearbox check-over and rear spring refurbishment in recent years, though we have not seen the invoices for this work.

Charmingly antiquated and a wonderful conversation starter wherever it goes, this 1937 Lanchester Roadrider DL is offered for sale at no reserve, so the highest bid will take it.

This is a fantastic piece of now-lost British motoring history, and would make for an excellent addition to any collection of pre-war motoring memorabilia or vehicles.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the seller in Quedgeley, Gloucestershire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.