1934 Lanchester L10 Doctor's Drophead Coupe by Martin Walter

Lanchester were producing motor cars at the turn of the twentieth century and their products were known for their quality and excellent engineering. The pre-war 10hp motor car came in various guises but this is a rare find indeed. The body is a true one off Doctor’s two door drop head coupe, built by Martin Walter of Folkestone, on a Coventry built chassis for a peer of the realm. The interior features lovely old leather seats, having two compartments with opening lid behind - perhaps for prescriptions. Wind-down windows are a nice feature and the split V shaped windscreen adds period charm. The four cylinder 1141cc engine drives through a pre-selector gearbox and hydraulic brakes are fitted.

During the 1930s and 40s it was used as a delivery vehicle for a relative’s antique business in Northamptonshire. Following the user’s death in the early 1950s, it fell into dereliction after being used as a farm runabout. The Lanchester was rescued and taken up North by someone who was intent on restoring it, but it was subsequently acquired by the late Bill Abbot, who restored it at his home in York.

Found in 1989 by the current custodian in a garden in Derby, the motor car was restored by him with almost fanatical attention to detail and with many hours spent on researching its history, which is now contained in a large box of files and photographs accompanying the motor car. Once the details were known, we are told that the L10 visited the various places which featured in its life and it has been seen on many club runs and shows. Now some years on, the motor car is in running order and is a pleasure to drive. The two tone green paintwork has aged nicely and the interior has a lovely patina with delightful period instrumentation in a polished wood dashboard.

The L10, known as ’Judi’, is offered with a V5C registration certificate and copious copies of old MOT test certificates, registration books etc. The aforementioned large box containing photo albums, correspondence and articles is also included.