This Lanchester Sporting Forty Torpedo stands as the only surviving example of just six originally produced. Crafted under the visionary design of George Lanchester, this model marked a quantum leap in automotive style. It featured a powerful 5½ litre side valve six engine housed under an elongated bonnet, establishing it as one of the era’s most stylish sports cars and a worthy rival to the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
Only a small number had been completed when its production was cut short by the onset of World War I, which saw Lanchester’s facilities repurposed for munitions and aero engine manufacturing. This particular vehicle later endured years of makeshift use, with parts repurposed for everything from powering a generator to forming part of a horse-drawn buggy.
Rescued and meticulously restored in the UK between 1998 and circa 2004, the coachwork is now an exact replica of the original, supported by original wheels, chassis, and steering components. Since its revival, it has graced various rallies across Wales, France, and beyond, celebrating its unique legacy and breathtaking restoration.
