Vauxhall Prince Henry heads to auction

One of the world’s first sports cars could fetch up to £600,000 when it heads to auction for the first time. The 1914 Vauxhall 25hp 'Prince Henry' Sports Torpedo will go under the hammer in Bonhams’ Bond Street Sale on 4 December.

Designed by respected Vauxhall engineer Laurence Pomeroy, this car was named after Pomeroy’s success with the 20hp A-type in the 1910 Tour of Prussia – an event instigated by Prince Henry of Prussia. Pomeroy’s design, first offered in 20hp, was unveiled in 25hp form at the Olympia Exhibition of 1912.

Original 'Prince Henry' Vauxhalls are scarce – the 25hp model even scarcer. It features a high waistline, narrow torpedo coachwork and raked windscreen, although needs some recommissioning work after 102 years of enthusiastic use.

With four owners on the logbook, the Prince Henry boasts outstanding provenance and connection with prominent establishment figures. But it is also well-specified for fast touring with CAV lighting and switch panel, gaitered springs, two-piece tonneau cover, running board mounted electric klaxon, dashboard-mounted Bosch starting magneto and air pump, Smiths 8 day clock and oil and water gauges, a White & Poppe fuel carburetor and a Bosch ZU4 magneto.