Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Theodore Bruce
• Sale Name:
  Classic Cars Auction
• Sale Date:
  26 Oct 2013 ~ 6.30pm
• Lot #:
  128
• Lot Description:
  1921 American La France Speedster
• Notes:
  The American LaFrance (apparently so called for the Americans inability to pronounce the surname of the founder, Hyenveux) company has its antecedents dating back to the early part of the 19th Century. The company is famous for the building of fire engines. There has long been a desire to take these fast competitive machines and turn them into 'Speedsters'. Their engines were originally designed by William Maybach for Benz in about 1901 as the Mercedes Simplex. The engines were subsequently adopted by the LaFrance concern for its fire trucks. Weighing approximately three tons this 1921, 14.5 litre behometh is capable of enormous torque (120hp, outstanding for the day) and close to 100 mph and capable of maintaing those high speeds for prolonged periods using a 4:1 compression ratio. Its engine has a twin-head, two cam shafts and three spark plugs for each of its six cylinders! The combined gearbox and differential three speed transaxle are made entirely of cast bronze weighing 200 lbs and beautifully polished. Converted back to just a chassis and engine with minimal two-seater bodywork, this exceptional example of an American LaFrance Speedster has been in the property of its current owner for over ten years. It has a 150 litre fuel tank and runs on 26 inch Pirelli racing tyres of dumb-bell pattern. The vehicle's steering has been modified with a steering damper, modern shock absorbers and brakes on all four wheels. Additional larger sprockets for higher speeds come with this chain driven car as well as full weather protection. The owner has lavished enormous care, much time and effort preparing this as a highly efficient and beautiful machine at a cost of well over $140,000. Testimony to the work carried out on this 'monster' is that it has won a Targa Plate at the 1996 Targa Tasmania and in the same year won the President's Cup in Adelaide, South Australia. It has since been used sparingly. This magnificent beast has safety belts, turn indicators, a fire extinguisher (of course!) and high intensity globes for safe driving reasons.
• Estimate:
  A$70,000 - 90,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.