Lot 206 - 1937 Railton 2+2 Tourer by Carbodies
| Lot Number | 206 |
| Registration | BWY 522 |
| Chassis Number | 645169 |
| Engine Number | 152501 |
| Odometer reading | 4,142 miles |
| Result | Sold - £33,600 |
- • Original touring body
- • Previously owned by Timothy Railton
One of the most synonymous names in British motoring history, Railton Cars was founded in 1933 by Noel Macklin, a well-respected engineer who had already established his credentials as a top class car manufacturer with the Invicta marque which he founded in 1925. For his new venture he teamed up with Reid Railton, another brilliant engineer perhaps most famous for designing Sir Malcolm Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ Land Speed Record cars of 1931 to 1935, and John Cobb’s record-breaking ‘Railton Mobil Special’. Manufactured at the old Invicta works on Fairmile estate in Cobham, Railtons’ were handbuilt to order for a wealthy client base, no two Railtons were exactly alike but all were excellent cars and survivors are highly sought after today. The marque was effectively killed-off at the outbreak of WW2, having manufactured 1,379 Eights of all types.
This extremely rare Railton has an interesting history. It was sold in 1966 via The Railton Owners Club to Mr Henry Stonor who was a rubber planter in Malaya. When in Malaya the car underwent extensive refurbishment including the engine and gearbox. Stonor raced two cars, an Alvis and this Railton which took first place in the 1976 Vintage Grand Prix. When Stonor retired and returned to the UK the Railton was sold through the services of Barry McKenzie, club secretary at the time, to Timothy Railton. His father Reid Railton was by this time deceased and Timothy took the car to his home in the U.S., where he had the car tidied up and painted in the cream colour it still wears today. The current vendor, a well respected and knowledgeable Railton enthusiast, purchased the car from Timothy in 2004 and repatriated the car back to the UK. Throughout his tenureship he has replaced the cylinder head and valves. The starter motor, dynamo and fuel pump have also been replaced, the fuel tank has been restored. The wet weather gear consisting of the hood and tonneau cover have also been replaced. Aesthetically a very handsome vehicle this Railton Tourer was bodied originally by Carbodies of Coventry and it still bears the same body today. A true piece of British motoring history with a very interesting history.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.