Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type classic cars for sale

Introduction and history of Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type

Founded in 1925 by Noel Macklin in Cobham, Surrey, Invicta carved out a reputation for constructing high-quality, high-performance vehicles. The brand's early work culminated in the Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type, unveiled at the 1931 London Motor Show. It featured prominent British engineering and assembly, reflecting the ambitions of British pre-war automotive manufacturing. The company itself experienced multiple lifecycles: after ceasing standard operations in 1935, there was a brief resurgence in the post-war era, and then a brief period of renewed activity from 2004 to 2012 before the final closure.

Model history

The S-Type evolved from earlier Invicta models, especially those using the Meadows engine since 1928. It was intended as Invicta's flagship, surpassing its predecessors in both sheer capacity and sophistication. The S-Type's immediate predecessor was a less powerful model built around the same straight-six architecture. The production run lasted from 1931 to 1935. No direct successor followed, marking the S-Type as the peak of Invicta's classic era.

Highlights of the Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type

The Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type features a 4,467 cc Meadows-developed straight-six engine, delivering 110 bhp and achieving a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h). Designed in a lowered 'low chassis' configuration for its sport specification, it offered improved aerodynamics and handling. The car's rally pedigree is underscored by Donald Healey's overall victory at the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally. With just 77 built, exclusivity is guaranteed.

Based on our statistics, the 4.5 Litre S-Type accounts for 100% of listed Invicta classic cars and receives all listing views for the make, confirming it as the dominant and sole representative of Invicta interest in the classic market.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The most significant variant of the S-Type is the sporting version with the 'low chassis.' This configuration, designed for enhanced handling and a lower centre of gravity, set new standards for the period's sports cars. No factory-coded limited editions are known, but each unit's hand-built nature and unique specifications contribute to the model's collectability.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific weaknesses or systematic issues for the S-Type are currently documented in the database. However, as with all vintage British cars, attention to the reliability of the electrical system, regular servicing of the Meadows engine, and inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity are advisable due to age and originality of components.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The S-Type's 4.5-litre straight-six delivers robust performance for the era with 110 bhp—enabling the vehicle to achieve 100 mph, notable for 1931 standards. It features a four-speed manual transmission and benefits from a low chassis in sport versions, resulting in improved cornering and a composed ride on both circuits and public roads. The chassis tuning and placement of mechanical components give the car sound weight distribution and a distinctly sporting character. The Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type (low-chassis) is the highlight, combining all these mechanical and dynamic attributes into one sought-after package.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type exhibits quintessential British sports car lines: a long bonnet, compact two-seat cockpit, and generous wings. Interiors were generally fitted using high-quality leather upholstery and polished wood for instrumentation. Sporting versions featured minimalist cockpits with focus-only instrumentation. Externally, the lowered chassis and sweeping bodywork—with exposed spare wheels and cycle wings—reinforce its competition pedigree. Special materials such as aluminium panels appeared on some cars to save weight. Accessory options varied, as each chassis could be bodied to individual preference.

Other relevant features

The S-Type gained notoriety from an infamous Brooklands accident involving Sammy Davis and through rally wins by Violette Corderly, connecting its legacy to the highest levels of motorsport achievement for its period.

Summary

The Invicta 4.5 Litre S-Type represents a rare fusion of luxury, bespoke coachbuilding, and motorsport success. Enthusiasts seeking a classic British sports car with traceable racing lineage and mechanical bravura will find the S-Type a compelling offering.