VC4578 was registered in 1930 and was used as both a Works competition car and a sales demonstrator and had the company’s latest Type S body style; an aluminum skin over steel frame. Only eight cars were believed to be produced with this body style, with three reputedly genuine cars remaining today.

1931 VC4578 was sold due to insolvency, during the next three decades VC4578 continued an active life, with three separate custodians, all well documented in the accompanying history file. 

1994 VC4578 was purchased by our client needing complete restoration. VC4578 was already stripped and the chassis then was checked and jigged. Then Simon Morgan (former Lea Francis, Barry Price employee), was instructed to repair the original body frame, then cover with a new aluminium skin to original spec utilizing the original bonnet, door and boot lid. The Meadows 4ED engine was overhauled by our client, and the engine block was not viable so was replaced with a new one by Ian Stirling. Engine internals crank and rods were upgraded to a Phoenix, running shell bearings, a departure from the original roller crank. Specially designed half shafts by Gripper Diffs were commissioned to overcome issues persisting from the factory, and the drawings are included in the file. The rebuild was thorough and overseen by Tom Delaney and returning to the factory colours and specification

1997 restoration process was completed, FIVA and VSCC papers were granted. Our client and his son competing in various VSCC events highlighted but not limited to the below.

2002

• Colerne speed trials 2^nd Vintage 2^nd in class
• Mallory Park Mug race 10, 2^nd Overall
• Curbrough won class 3
• Wiscombe won class 4
• Silverstone race 75^th Overall
• Goodwood AC sprint Won class 20A

2009

• Oulton Park race4 2^nd Overall
• Cadwell Park race 4   3^rd Overall
• Loton Park Class 4 won and 1^st Std Vintage
• Harewood hill climb 2nd in class and 1^st Vintage
• Donington race 18 won 1st Overall

2017

• Reopening of Brookland’s start-finish straight

The last major mechanical overhaul was completed in 2014 and the car has been largely unused since then due to extenuating factors. Prior to delivery to our showroom at Foxfield's, VC4578 was placed on a rolling road for mixture and health check, using E5 super-unleaded. The results are more than encouraging with concretive 4500 rpm torque at 116lb ft and 102 bhp boosting a 7.5 psi - and the engine was still pulling cleanly.

Offered to the open market for the first time since the late 1950’s, in our opinion this highly desirable and potentially very competitive car may not be available for long, so early inquiry is recommended to avoid disappointment.

A more detailed history is included in the PDF for download.