Are saloons more beautiful than Open Tourers? A glimpse into the Cliveden House catalogue – RM Sotheby’s

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The styling of a car often sparks passionate debate. While one enthusiast may swear by the breezy elegance of an open tourer, another sees true beauty in the enclosed comfort of a closed body. What one considers an enhancement, another sees as a loss. To breathe new life into this aesthetic dilemma, we turn our attention to a remarkable collection of formal motorcars—saloons and landaulettes—soon to cross the auction block at the prestigious Cliveden House, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

We begin in France, with the 1908 Renault Type V1 Series B 20/30 HP Landaulette by Million-Guiet. This graceful, imposing machine features an open chauffeur’s compartment and a private, luxurious space for its passengers. The Million-Guiet bodywork exudes grandeur and offers a perfect snapshot of pre-war style.

In Britain, too, the contrast between driver and passenger was elevated to an art form. The 1912 Sunbeam 12/16 HP Open Drive Landaulet, largely in original condition, embodies Edwardian elegance. Only two families have ever claimed ownership of this understated masterpiece.

Adding a royal touch is the 1912 Daimler 15 HP Open Drive Landaulet by Rock, Thorpe & Chatfield. With its porthole windows and veiled rear cabin, this Daimler radiates stately presence, powered by the marque’s distinctive sleeve-valve engine.

The 1913 Napier T44 30/35 HP Landaulet by Cunard is built on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis and was once owned by Sir Joseph Robinson of South Africa. Every detail of this luxury vehicle reflects status and wealth. More about this car next week. 

When one thinks of stately motorcars, Rolls-Royce inevitably comes to mind. The 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost 'Colonial' Limousine by Hooper lives up to its legendary reputation. This ‘Colonial spec’ model with its closed bodywork was even used during World War I to transport King George V to the front lines.

American grandeur is represented by the 1916 Crane-Simplex Model 5 Double Enclosed Drive Limousine by Brewster. Here, both chauffeur and passengers are fully enclosed, each in their own compartment—an unusual and almost theatrical layout that lends this limousine a truly distinctive character.

The 1920s ushered in a new emphasis on performance. The 1926 Bentley 3-Litre 'Red Label' Weymann Saloon by Freestone & Webb combines lightweight engineering with timeless design. A closed saloon with flexible fabric bodywork: fast, stylish, and full of character.

France, too, struck a fine balance between luxury and performance. The 1928 Delage DM Weymann Saloon is agile, elegant, and powered by a robust six-cylinder engine—a shining example of late-1920s French engineering.

Perhaps the most elegant of all is the 1931 Lagonda 3-Litre Weymann Saloon. Its long bonnet, sleek lines, and lightweight construction make it the ideal touring car: quiet, comfortable, and swift.

The 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Saloon by H.J. Mulliner brings a touch of sportiness to the classic Rolls-Royce DNA. The low windshield and flowing body lines subtly contrast with the imposing grille—a masterpiece for those who seek both style and performance.

By the late 1930s, designers leaned toward understated sophistication. The 1938 Alvis 4.3-Litre SB Saloon by Charlesworth features clean, elegant lines. Solidly built and powerfully engineered, it remains a favorite among connoisseurs.

Finally, there’s the 1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'High Vision' Coupé by H.J. Mulliner. This Derby Bentley pairs expansive windows with sharp lines and a sporty, refined character—perfectly suited to the confident spirit of the late 1930s.

This parade of automobiles shows that closed cars—whether saloons, landaulettes, or coupés—often offer more than just protection from the elements. They represent a level of refinement, comfort, and craftsmanship that their open-top counterparts sometimes struggle to match.

Where does your preference lie? As for us, we’d choose the 1926 Bentley 3-Litre ‘Red Label’ Saloon without hesitation. Stylish, swift, and the ideal winter companion. After all, come summer, we’ll be driving open.

View the full Cliveden House auction catalogue [here].

Text by Laurens Klein, photo courtesy of RM Sotheby's

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.