1938 British-Salmson 20/90 Sports by Wittingham & Mitchel | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

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• Twin overhead cam 2.6-litre straight six
  
• Purchased by our vendor’s late Father in 1960
  
• One of just three sports bodied examples
  
• One of the rarest and most technologically advanced cars of its time
  

The British Salmson 20/90 Sports is one of the rarest and most technically fascinating British sporting cars of the pre-war era. Introduced at the 1935 Olympia Motor Show, the 20/90 represented the pinnacle of British Salmson engineering, combining advanced mechanical specification with understated sporting elegance. At its heart lies a sophisticated 2.6-litre twin overhead camshaft straight-six engine with triple SU carburettors, producing a claimed 90bhp. Independent front suspension, Lockheed hydraulic brakes and a four-speed gearbox, with synchromesh on third and fourth ensured performance and road manners well ahead of many of its contemporaries, with a quoted top speed of 90mph.

Such engineering excellence came at a price. Costing £645 when new, more than the legendary Jaguar SS100 at just £375, the 20/90 was one of Britain's most expensive sporting motor cars. Unsurprisingly, sales were limited, with just 15 examples built, of which only three are understood to have been fitted with the elegant Wittingham & Mitchel Sports body. Today, only eight 20/90s are known to survive, making this an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of British motoring history.

First registered on 3rd February 1938 to G. Williams of Styche, Market Drayton, the car was originally supplied by William Arnold of Manchester and is believed to have been purchased as a 21st birthday present for Evelyn Styche, a descendant of Clive of India. Originally finished in black, it was repainted in its attractive red livery during the early 1950s. The car was purchased by the current vendor's late father, David Beresford, in June 1960 and remained in his devoted ownership for an extraordinary 64 years. Initially serving as everyday transport, David later undertook an engine rebuild, a bare-metal repaint and a full interior retrim, while using the car extensively for touring and British Salmson Owners Club events. A former Chairman of the Club, David was instrumental in preserving and promoting the marque throughout his lifetime. The vendor fondly recalls being driven to school in the car as a child, adding a wonderful layer of family provenance to its remarkable history.

Beautifully engineered, immensely charismatic and extraordinarily rare, this British Salmson is the sort of motor car that even seasoned enthusiasts may never encounter at a typical classic car event. It represents a truly special opportunity to acquire one of the finest surviving examples of a little-known but hugely significant British sporting marque. Consigned by Fraser Smith.