Vauxhall Tickford Sunshine (1928)

1928 Vauxhall 20/60 Fastback Drop Head Coupe with Dickey seat.
Chassis number: R3212
Registration number: BF4431
This delightful 1928 Roadster spent most or all of its life in Australia before being repatriated and then UK registered in July 2007. The known history of this lovely vintage Vauxhall begins with a George Batten of Muwillumbah, New South Wales. It subsequently dwelt with a Ray Jurd in Redland Bay, Queensland, before being discovered in a Brisbane garage workshop in need of comprehensive restoration. Trevor Poulsen initially felt the task was beyond his ability, but later succumbed to the challenge and set to work in 1986 in concert with the garage's Bill Cardno.
The project was completed before the Vauxhall arrived on these shores but, upon arrival in2009, the owner set about further improving 'BF 4431', and has invested £20,000 in the last six years to achieve its current very smart level of presentation.
During 2009/2010, the bodywork was fully stripped and repainted in two-tone Grey, the engine thoroughly overhauled, and new clutch and starter installed. The bodywork, paintwork, Grey leather interior, six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission all being in 'very good' condition.
The Roadster wears a Holden two-seater fastback body complete with dickey, and is similar to those found on Chevrolets and Pontiacs of the same era. It is believed the car is one of only three such 20/60s still in existence and comes complete with V5C and Dating Certificate courtesy of The Society of Automotive Historians in Britain.
The 20/60 model was launched in 1928 and remained on sale until 1930. It was the biggest car the company had offered since the General Motors takeover of 1925, and was intended to appeal to customers needing more power and accommodation than was currently available from the Vauxhall stable.
These Vauxhalls are known for their powerful 3 litre six cylinder engines similar to that found in the Vauxhall Hurlingham of the same period. The car runs effotlessly at 50MPH with plenty more available when required. The car is a centre throttle layout akin to similar period Benltey & Lagonda offerings. The engine is utterly smooth & silent in its running as a result of its extensive rebuild.
A great car for pre war rallies or simply tootling out for a sunday picnic with a hamper attached to the spacious fold out luggage rack.