This year we have been fortunate enough to add several collections of historic car images to our Heritage Trust photographic library. These long darker, colder evenings are the perfect time to cosy up with the scanner to log and digitalise them. The picture shown below is one which caught our eye and for circa 1912, this Armstrong Whitworth really ‘cuts a dash’ to use a period expression.
The tapered bonnet and stream line scuttle and dome wings make for a very tidy coupe/cabriolet. The wood framed windows are reminiscent of those fitted to railway carriages as are the door handles. This five seater was upholstered in leather with polished wood trim and carpet floor covering. The two sliding front seats helped ease access for rear seat passengers. Fitments included ashtrays and card trays – no not playing cards, but cards known as calling or visiting cards much used in polite society at the time. Note the electric lighting, horn and battery box, oh! and don’t forget to wipe your feet.
The price of fitting this choice of body to the chassis was £235, which included the purchaser’s choice of paintwork. Depending on the choice of chassis and engine power it would seem a total price would be around £500. ( £70000.00 today)
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