The fellas are crazy for the lady in red

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To get in the mood for the weekend Louis Prima & His New Orleans Gang with The Lady in Red! "Oh, the lady in red… The fellas are crazy for the lady in red. She's a bit gaudy but lord what a pretty personality!" Which one of those two, 89-year-old (although one of them is a "junior") ladies would you like to take out? See it as a speed date.

A maroon 1930 Singer Junior

The first one is a maroon over black 1930 Singer Junior. She is not in concours state but definitely has character. A lovely lightweight car for a bit of fun. She is largely original but does have uprated electrics and indicators so she can drive you safely to the dancing. With the 847 cc engine, you are not going to break speed records, but you can certainly enter a multitude of (VSCC) events with the Singer. This personality has already had her moments of fame as she was featured in The Automobile magazine in the 1980s and was the winner of her class in a recent vintage driving test at Bicester Heritage. How many of you can claim that? VX 4972 is estimated between £4,000 and £6,000. A perfect first car to learn how to drive that will last for years!

A sporty 1930 Lancia Lambda - RIVA No 1

The second one is a little bit more sporty. Born in the same year as the Singer. Meet RIVA, a  bright red 1930 Lancia Lambda. There is something enigmatic about her. ‘RIVA No1’ (the engine number, which is date-stamped 1930) is well-known throughout the European Lambda circuit and was previously owned by Parisian and Lambda exponent Yves Ketterer.

The description in the Brightwells auction catalogue reads as follows: “Australian Lambda guru Bill Jamesion has theorised that it was built in France around 1930 from new parts supplied by Lancia. This would explain why some parts remain un-numbered (i.e. axles and gearbox). A 67 Series unit, factory production would have consisted of the larger 79 Series by 1930, adding credence that this earlier-type engine would have been a new factory replacement supplied to France. We suspect there is still a lot more research to do. However it came about, what we have is an interesting short-chassis Lambda, with loads of interesting and original features.”

So shall we, for now, call RIVA a largely original special? As said, there is still a lot more research to do. We do hope the new owner of this mysterious Lancia is able to find out more about her history. But of course, also will enjoy driving the car! It ticks over nicely and is ready to hit the road. The well-stocked dashboard and the extra weather equipment which includes a rear tonneau cover, a hood and front side-screens make the car perfect for long distance touring/rallying in all-weather conditions. This 1930 Lancia is estimated between £45,000 and £60,000.

Both PreWars will be sold on Wednesday the 10th of April 2019 at Bicester Heritage (OX26 5HA). The auction starts at 12 noon. Would you like to see the other PreWarCars and PostWarClassics that will be auctioned? Click HERE.

Photographs courtesy Brightwells.

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