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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.

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Image 1/10 of Rally NCP (1931)
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1931 | Rally NCP

1931 RALLY type NCP - SALMSON engine 1600 cc

£144,808
🇫🇷
Private seller
Image 1/7 of Lancia Augusta (1935)
1 / 7

1935 | Lancia Augusta

Lancia - Augusta Farina - 1935

Price on request
🇳🇱
Dealer
Image 1/7 of FIAT 508 Balilla Series 2 (1935)
1 / 7

1935 | FIAT 508 Balilla Series 2

Fiat - Balilla 4 speed - 1935

Price on request
🇳🇱
Dealer
Image 1/24 of Bugatti Type 49 (1931)
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1931 | Bugatti Type 49

Beutler Karosserie

£351,309
🇩🇪
Dealer
Image 1/27 of Lagonda 4,5 Liter LG 45 Le Mans (1936)
1 / 27
£162,716
🇩🇪
Dealer
Image 1/24 of Ford Model A Tudor Sedan (1928)
1 / 24
Mille MigliaReport

1928 | Ford Model A Tudor Sedan

1928 | Ford Modell A Tudor Sedan

£18,851
🇩🇪
Private seller
Image 1/32 of Aston Martin Le Mans (1933)
1 / 32
Mille Miglia

1933 | Aston Martin Le Mans

1933 | Aston Martin Le Mans

Price on request
🇬🇧
Dealer
Image 1/41 of Aston Martin Mk II (1934)
1 / 41

1934 | Aston Martin Mk II

1934 | Aston Martin Mk II

£265,000
🇬🇧
Dealer
Image 1/49 of Aston Martin Le Mans (1933)
1 / 49
Mille Miglia

1933 | Aston Martin Le Mans

Short Chassis - Mille Miglia approved

Price on request
🇧🇪
Dealer
Image 1/15 of Riley 12/6 Kestrel (1936)
1 / 15

1936 | Riley 12/6 Kestrel

1936 Riley 12/4 Kestrel '36

£55,695
🇧🇪
Dealer
Image 1/20 of Ford Model A (1931)
1 / 20

1931 | Ford Model A

Ford  Model A Cabriolet | Uitvoerig gerestaureerd | 1931

£42,800
🇳🇱
Dealer
Image 1/15 of Alba 10 CV (1913)
1 / 15

1913 | Alba 10 CV

1913 Alba '13

£8,526
🇧🇪
Dealer
Image 1/15 of Ford Model A (1929)
1 / 15

1929 | Ford Model A

1929 Ford Model A Cabriolet '29

£30,804
🇧🇪
Dealer
Image 1/10 of FIAT 508 Balilla Series 1 (1933)
1 / 10

1933 | FIAT 508 Balilla Series 1

FIAT Balilla 508 Carrozzeria Castagna Coupe Royal

£23,992
🇮🇹
Dealer
Image 1/10 of FIAT 508 Balilla Series 1 (1934)
1 / 10

1934 | FIAT 508 Balilla Series 1

FIAT Balilla 508 / '34 / Targa ORO ASI / 3 Marce

£20,993
🇮🇹
Dealer
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