Bonhams is selling this 1903 Vauxhall 5hp Two-seater Light Car at its 2 November sale in London. This Vauxhall is one of 14 vehicles on sale, and four at the auction that are eligible for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run the following day.

Lot 203, the 1903 Vauxhall 5hp Two-seater Light Car ordered new for Percy Kidner, Vauxhall Managing Director. It is believed to be the world’s oldest known surviving Vauxhall. Vauxhall’s works order book shows that car no. 0335 was ordered on 6 November 1903 for Vauxhall Director, Percy Kidner, at ‘director’s price’. It is a standard model, liveried in cream with red lining, equipped with a pair of Dietz sidelamps and an acetylene headlamp with generator.

The remarkable history file with the car contains many invoices and records of repair and maintenance during the Bernhardt family ownership, along with Dr. Bernhardt’s driving licence from 1903 and much more. It is the first time this significantly important car has been offered on the open market for 108 years, and is described in the catalogue as having a history that is ‘truly remarkable and represents a landmark car in the history of one of England’s premier motor car manufacturers’.

The estimated price is £60,000-£80,000.

•     More information at the Bonhams website
•     London to Brighton Veteran Car Run