PreWarCar of the Week: a 1924 Crossley 19.6 Saloon by Vincents of Reading

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This week the PreWarCar of the Week is a 1924 Crossley. The only surviving 16.9 with saloon bodywork by coachbuilders Vincents of Reading.

The Crossley Brothers, Francis and William originally manufacturers of textile machinery started building cars in 1903. A couple of years later the motor vehicle division was named Crossley Motors and spun off from the Crossley Brothers as a separate company. Between 1904 and 1938 this British car manufacturer based in Manchester produced approximately 19,000 high-quality cars.

The 20hp model they introduced in 1909 was contracted to the military. More than 6,000 models were built to supply the Royal Flying Corps with staff cars, tenders and ambulances. During their service, Crossley developed a reputation for being extremely reliable, well-made vehicles.

The next model introduced was the 19.6 – the one you see here – with a 3.7-litre 4-cylinder engine. The detachable head was a new development for Crossley. Between 1920 and 1925 over a 1000 hand-crafted models were sold. This unique 1924 model is the only surviving example with saloon bodywork by coachbuilders Vincents of Reading. Complete with a V-windscreen and a beautifully appointed and finished interior, as also can be seen in the photographs.

MF 6257 is both mechanically and bodily extremely original. We have been told the car only has had a new exhaust, tyres, battery and spring gaiters, some wiring work, while the magneto, dynamo and rear lamps have been rebuilt.

What a beautiful detailed saloon body by Vincents of Reading, you can definitely see the quality of this 1924 Crossley. Saturday the 9th of March 2019 this car will be auctioned by Richard Edmonds Auctions. The car is estimated between £30,000 and £35,000.

Photographs courtesy Richard Edmonds Auctions.

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