1927 Invicta 3 4½ Litre High Chassis LC Tourer

19th Jun, 2024 13:00 Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-1927-invicta-34-litre-high-chassis-lc-tourer/?lot=59512&so=0&st=invicta&sto=0&au=&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=48&pn=1&g=1 Regularly campaigned at a number of VSCC and MRL racing events where it was highly competitive Three Litre chassis that is fitted with a ‘race-prepared’ 4 1/2 Litre Meadows power unit Fitted with an ENV 150 Pre-Selector Gearbox and upgraded differential and half shafts to handle the power Supplied with a large history file with stacks of receipts for works and correspondence including a buff logbook showing ownership from 1955 Noel Campbell Macklin started the Invicta Car Company in 1925 and although it became one of Britain's classic sports cars his original aim was to build a car in which changing gears would become virtually unnecessary. Production continued until 1933 in Cobham, whereupon it moved to Chelsea until the outbreak of war, with its last four years being spent back in Surrey at Virginia Water. First registered on the 2nd September 1927, 'YT 8613' was originally built as a 3-Litre, Long Chassis Invicta. The early Invicta records are believed to have been destroyed during the Blitz, so therefore little is known of the original body style of the car. The first record we have on file for the ownership of the Invicta is from 1955 with a continuation buff log book, when the car was owned by a Mr Raymond J. Menday of Dartford, Kent, and the engine number stated at that time was '6566'. At some point in the car's history, 'YT 8613' was fitted with the Meadows 4½ Litre unit numbered '8526' plus an ENV-150 Pre-Selector gearbox and an angled bulkhead which were believed to have only been fitted to 4½ Litres and S-Types rather than the flat example used in the 3 Litre. Interestingly, a very small number of late 3-Litre cars were reputedly modified to 4½ Litre specification by Dolphens & Lenarts for the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad based out of Scotland Yard, so this car could well be one of those examples. The vendor, who is a repeat Invicta owner, bought LC 162 in 1995 from a Mr Rides of Weston Super Mare who had owned the car since 1988. Upon acquisition, the plan was to upgrade most of the componentry in order to race the car at VSCC events. On file there are masses of receipts on file for various works, including for preparation to race specification at over £35,000. The vendor has subsequently used the car for a huge number of race meetings in the VSCC and Motor Racing Legends events over the years, where the car was proved very competitive with a number of podium positions and overall wins throughout the years. The car was also invited to the Goodwood member's meeting in April 2019 - proving its eligibility for those types of events. The vendor has now decided to sell the car as the chance acquisition of a Low Chassis 'S-Type' recently presented itself - and this car is now seeing more use on the track. It is therefore now a fantastic opportunity for any aspiring racer to acquire a very interesting and genuinely fast vehicle for use either on the road or the track. Upon inspection, 'YT 8613' presents as a well-used, but delightfully patinated racing car. The vendor advises that he has "corrected major issues with the bodywork as they have cropped up, but not to expect a concours queen - this is a working track car". The car is bodied as a Four-Seater tourer with a pleasantly aged Cream Leather interior and it is believed that the front and rear wings are original to the car. A long-range petrol tank has been mounted to the rear of the body with an electric SU pump providing supply to the carburettors. Mechanically, the seller has stated that the ongoing maintenance has been "top-notch" so everything works as intended and that driving the car is "hilarious" thanks to over 200bhp on tap from the thunderous Meadows power unit. The pre-selector gearbox also provides a instant gear change and is pleasurable to work without the frustration of grinding gears - although with the incredible amount of torque supplied, constant changing may not be entirely necessary and is therefore pleasurable to use on the road (for which the car is fully registered!). Eligible for a number of racing events and a rare example of the exclusive Invicta marque, 'YT 8613' is a wonderful opportunity for any prospective owner who wants to get the most from their car. For more information, please contact: Lucas Gomersall lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk 07484 082430

Added 12 Aug 2026