Invicta S1 1933

This lot will be auctioned via Historics Classic and Sportscar Auctioneers at The Pace of Autumn; Ascot Racecourse sale on Saturday 20th September. Built by the late Chris Browning, with help from highly respected Invicta specialists. Extensive competition history by our vendors late father, a very well-known car. Wholey accepted by the Invicta Club. One of the biggest history and documentation files we have ever seenThe Invicta S-Type Low Chassis Tourer is a celebrated British sportscar produced in the early 1930s, known for its blend of elegance, performance, and durability. Designed by Noel Macklin and built in Cobham, Surrey, the Low Chassis variant was introduced in 1931 to enhance handling and stability by lowering the centre of gravity. Powered by a robust 4.5 litre Meadows straight-six engine, it delivered strong torque and reliable performance, making it ideal for both racing and touring. The car featured a striking, low-slung body typically styled by coachbuilders like Carbodies or Vanden Plas, with long flowing wings and a distinctive upright radiator. It gained fame in endurance events like the Monte Carlo Rally and Alpine Trials, earning a reputation for both speed and resilience. Today, the Invicta S-Type Low Chassis is highly prized by collectors for its rarity, engineering excellence, and iconic 1930s British sporting aesthetic.This exceptionally well crafted continuation car was built in the late 1980s/early 1990s by the late Chris Browning. Browning resurrected the Invicta name in 1989 with the intention of preserving the heritage of the marque and set about building some incredible continuation cars, with help from some highly respected Invicta specialists such as Tom Bowhill, D J Densham and Derek Green, former keeper of the Invicta Club register. Derek Green supplied numerous genuine parts for the car, all of which are documented in possibly the most impressive history file(s) we have ever seen, our vendors late fathers organisation and research would put many high-level journalists to shame!The body was crafted by Carbodies and perfectly replicates the iconic lines of the S-Type Low Chassis tourer, whilst the chassis was built by Terry Audin of Chassis-Build, using original drawings purchased by Mike Bristow of Rubery Owen Ltd, manufacturers of the original Invicta S-Type chassis. Amongst numerous original components, the 4 0.5 litre Meadows engine, gearbox casing, rear axle casing, front axle beam and brakes were all taken from a donor Invicta A-Type high chassis saloon, chassis number A171, engine number 7735. A small number of these incredible continuation cars were built and the Invicta Club welcomes and validates these replicas.The car has extensive competition history with our vendors late father, being campaigned for many years with great success in VSCC events and no doubt the car will be very well known to those who compete themselves. Interestingly, during its competition years, the car was modified for Mr Bolgers use with the addition of bespoke hand controls (all now removed without legacy) by OC Mobility, who designed a pioneering hand control system and electronically powered semi-automatic clutch system. This allowed Mr Bolger to become the first paraplegic to be granted an RAC pre-war vehicle competition licence. Desirable additions are an Alvis speed 20 synchromesh gearbox with remote gear change, hydraulic brakes on dual circuits with twin servos, the drums and braking components are original items. An additional SU carburettor has also been fitted, as well as a switch controller magneto.As earlier mentioned, the car comes to auction with one of the most impressive history files we have seen, probably in the region of 15-20 box files containing extensive research, the event logbook, VSCC passport, service and build history, photographs, drawings and all DVLA, VSCC and Invicta documentation the list goes on! In recent years, this wonderful Invicta has been laid up in a temperature-controlled garage and hasnt seen any action, so some minor recommissioning should be expected, but rest assured this car was Mr Bolgers absolute pride and joy for many years and his care and attention poured into the car ensured it was always ready for action and never wanted for anything. With the values of original examples being eye-wateringly high, we feel this exacting replica representing excellent value and will make a fantastic addition to any collection. Consigned by Fraser Smith