Pre-War Cars for Sale

The diversity and originality of the pre-war cars produced during the 1930's, have a timeless appeal for enthusiasts.

The Special Qualities Of Pre-War Cars

The pre-war cars manufactured between 1930 and 1939, captured the public's imagination. Companies such as Morris and Wolseley responded by designing and manufacturing several versions of different models in consecutive years, launching many at the innovative Motor Show. The inconsistencies of those produced during the Roaring Twenties, were replaced by new design features such as overhead cam-shafts and stay-clean wheels.

Technological Advancement Of Pre-War Cars

In 1935, Rolls Royce, whose luxury cars are still in production today, introduced the Phantom III with a superior V12 engine that saw it take its place as the most technologically advanced car available. The MG Midget series concentrated on speed. Their racing car, the EX-120 C type, launched in 1931, had a 750cc engine which was capable of reaching 100mph. Only forty-four of these pre-war cars were manufactured during 1931-2. Wolseley's Hornet, unveiled in 1930 with a single carburetor, was issued as the Hornet Special in 1932 with twin carburetors and a four speed gearbox.

Popularity of Pre-War Cars

Availability increased in the Thirties, with Austin and their rivals Morris, aiming at the mass market with compact, practical vehicles. The Austin Seven, which was designed in 1922, saw twenty thousand of them in circulation by 1939. It also appeared in America as the Bantam, in France as the Rosengart and under the name of Dixi, was BMW's debut model. The Morris Minor, built between 1928 and 1934 gave way to the Morris Eight which launched at the 1935 Motor Show in seven different versions including a van. Morris had several other models in production including the Oxford 20 (1934), the two-seater Series 1 in 1937 and two versions of the Eight, Series E 1939. Wolseley's pre-war cars featuring stylish three-tone colour schemes were constantly evolving. By 1934, their Hornet saloon had undergone several upgrades and became the New Hornet and was also available as the Twelve, New Twelve and an improved 1604cc engine, the Fourteen. The Wolseley Nine with a 1018cc engine appeared in 1934. The following year, it was re-launched as the Wasp before production stopped in 1936.

Collectors of Pre-War Cars

There are many clubs devoted to the pre-war cars of the Thirties that organise events and rallies throughout the year. There is a great sense of camaraderie amongst members who spend hours renovating these beautiful old cars, sourcing spares or recreating parts from original plans. Forgotten Austin Sevens or MG D types are frequently being found hidden away in old barns or garages waiting to be brought back to life.