Oxford-built bonanza
Charles Swain’s collection of pre-war classics to go under the auction hammer next month
Nine pre-war cars and a motorcycle from the well-known Charles Swain collection are to be auctioned at his Oxfordshire home next month.
Holloway’s Auctioneers of Banbury will hold the sale on the Adderbury site on 18 February.
Included in the sale are a 1923 Morris Cowley Bullnose two-seater and dickey tourer, a 1927 Morris Cowley Flatnose Series 1 two-seater and dickey tourer, and a 1929 Rolls-Royce II fitted with barrel-sided tourer coachwork by Wilkinson of Derby.
Other lots include two 1934 Morrises – a 1378cc Six and a Special Ten-Six four-seater open sports – a 1935 Morris 8 Series 1 two-seater and a 1939 Alvis 4.3-litre sports tourer fitted with replica Vanden Plas coachwork.
The most modern vehicle in the auction is a 2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible, which is believed to be the last right-hand drive example produced prior to BMW’s take-over.
‘Collecting pre-war cars became Charles’ passion later in life when his business success afforded him the luxury of this hobby over the last 2530 years. During this time his favour for Oxfordshire-built cars is shown in the collection, which includes some extermely rare vehicles and limited editions,’ says Holloway’s auctioneer, Jasper March.
Charles shared his long-standing passion for his classic collection by inviting clubs to visit his Adderbury home, and he frequently displayed some of his most cherished vehicles at major car events such as the Cowley Classic Car Show.