1911 ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH B3 15.9HP
One of a mere 13 known to exist
Engine no: 334
Auction Estimate: AU$65,000 - $75,000 (US$52,000 - $60,000 approx.)
http://www.mossgreen.com.au/view-auctions/catalog/id/354/lot/132584/1911-ARMSTRONG-WHITWORTH-B3-15-9HP
This 1911 Armstrong Whitworth was found under a peppercorn tree in Lara, Victoria in the 1980s and retrieved by the noted “Godfather of Armstrong Whitworths”, Mr. Alan Collis. The car passed through the hands of Mr. Peter Taylor before it was acquired by its present attentive owner. A nut and bolt restoration over some 13 years encompassed all componentry including the body undertaken by leading restoration houses including: Egge Machining-Dookie; Richard Stanley Coachcraft of Lancefield and Geoff Davie Upholstery. The car is said by the vendor and his family to be reliable and very enjoyable to drive having done several vintage sports car rallies. It cruises at 60kmh and returns approx. 22mpg.
Many people will know of Armstrong Siddley but not many know of Armstrong Whitworth. Today, there is believed to be a mere 13 known survivors world-wide. Seven of these are known in Australia. The fascinating aspect of this is that some 3000 of these high-quality cars were made. Many records were destroyed during World War 1 so there is not a lot of detail available for this marque. Only the car's more recent life is documented after it was found under the peppercorn tree. It has Rushmore headlights; a gas generator; P and H side and tail lights; high quality leather upholstery; Bosch dual ignition and is powered by a 4-cylinder 2.8-litre engine and a 4-speed gearbox.
Included in the sale is a large amount of photocopied information and an original handbook with diagrams of all aspects of this car. A motor and gearbox, chassis parts, elliptical springs, steering wheel and assorted parts for an inter-changeable 1912 model will accompany the sale including: a 1912 Armstrong Whitworth motor and gearbox; clutch assembly; 4 x steel brackets for artillery wheels (repros); hand brake and gear lever; 2 x steering columns and floor mounting brackets; steering wheel; Chassis (cut into 3 pieces; triangular firewall and floor board brackets; foot brake cross shaft; inlet manifold, crank handle assembly; front axle; rear 3/4 elliptical springs; White and Poppe carb (incomplete); 815 x 105 spare tyre; assorted brass P&H side light parts and a Bosch DU4 magneto (restored). Parts available for collection post-sale from country Victoria.
