Following World War I, Lanchester resumed civilian manufacturing with a solitary model, the opulent 40hp. This offering held an even higher price tag than the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Similar to their counterparts in Crewe, Lanchester swiftly introduced a more compact and affordable alternative.
Unveiled at the Olympia Motor Show in 1923, the 21hp newcomer was driven by a 3.0-liter overhead-camshaft straight-six engine. Notably, this marked Lanchester’s inaugural engine featuring a detachable cylinder head. Concurrently, the standard gearbox (as opposed to an epicyclic one) and the introduction of four-wheel brakes represented fresh innovations for the company.
In 1926, the engine received an enlargement to 3.3 liters (rated at 23hp), extending the model’s production until 1931. The vehicle could comfortably exceed speeds of 60mph, offering a remarkable performance for its time.
Constructed in 1927 and registered in 1928, this specific 23hp model boasted the 3.3-liter engine. Its graceful Maythorn coachwork incorporated revolving occasional seats, storage compartments beneath the front seats, gracefully curved glass panels, and a vertically opening glass partition.
Source: Bonhams
