Those of you with good memories may remember this 1934 14hp Vauxhall from the Finds & Discoveries page of Classic & Sportscar magazine. It looked a little different then. In fact, over 2,500 hours have been expended in turning that barn-find into this beauty.

The car is one of only five Stratford Sports Tourers known to be still in existence and the only one with a boot. The bodies were built by Whittingham and Mitchel of Fulham, who specialised in building bodies for Vauxhalls, Alvis, MG and Wolseley (notably the Hornet Daytona).

The restoration work was fully documented and photographed and the receipts for goods and services were retained and are on file. The car was stripped to the bare chassis, which was shot-blasted and painted, and both axles were rebuilt. The 1,781cc six-cylinder engine was thoroughly overhauled with new bearings, pistons etc and fitted with a modern oil filter conversion.

The aluminium bodywork was restored and professionally painted in maroon and cream with the chrome-work re-finished by Derby Plating. The interior carries on the same colour scheme with maroon leather, contrasting cream piping, and maroon wool carpets – the quality of the work is impressive. The car also benefits from a new hood and side-screens, which are effective in keeping out the worst of the British weather. The car also has a new tonneau cover.

This is a very smart car which has had a comprehensive restoration and one which is sure to win awards should its new owner take it down that route. Those who like to drive their cars will find the six-cylinder 1,781cc engine (based on Chevrolet’s legendary Stovebolt six) provides impressive acceleration and a top speed of 70mph. All in all, this is a fine post-Vintage sports tourer which wants for nothing.