1929 Lanchester 30hp Straight Eight Landaulette
Britain’s final gesture from the distinguished Birmingham marque represented both engineering ambition and tragic timing during the economic upheaval of 1929. George Lanchester’s last design featured a 4.4-liter straight-eight engine with single overhead camshaft, producing 82 horsepower despite its modest 30hp RAC rating.
Only 126 examples were produced before economic troubles forced the company’s sale to BSA/Daimler in 1930. The chassis alone cost £1,250, more expensive than a Rolls-Royce 20-25, and featured advanced engineering including ten main bearings and dual ignition systems.
Available in various body styles including elegant landaulettes, these cars offered luxury transportation for the wealthy elite. Despite weighing over 4,400 pounds (2,000 kilograms), the sophisticated drivetrain could propel the car to 90 mph.
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