Used 1926 Theophile Schneider 25SP (Le Mans 24H race model)

Seller Description

1926 Theophile Schneider 25SP (known as 17/55 or "Le Mans" model in the U.K.) Serious inquiries invited. HISTORY: Believed originally delivered new in chassis form to Australia. Current owner 15 years. Purchased ex-Melbourne from previous owner. Prior to current ownership it is believed that the car was subject to extensive rebuild. Major mechanical components, engine, gearbox and differential were checked and rebuilt as required. Car currently resides in Perth, Western Australia.

Also during that period a boat-tail body (aluminium over ash frame with mahogany coping and English leather interior) was built by Artisan Coachworks (Melbourne) to a design ascribed to Labourdette. In recent years the car has been carefully maintained and driven regularly but conservatively. Currently registered on club plates. The car is roadworthy and starts on the button. Earlier history remains unverified. However, it is documented that a 2 litre Theophile Schneider ran at the 1929 Australian Grand Prix. Entered by the Vice President of the Victorian Light Car Club, Ernie King. Did not finish. I have a period image with Mr King at the wheel.
COMMENTS: The purchase includes comprehensive period marque and model literature and data and some spare parts (differential, rear brakes, dynostarter, carburettor, magneto etc). Very rare car. As current custodian of the Theophile Schneider register I am aware of nine confirmed cars/chassis numbers of this model remaining worldwide.
SPECIFICATIONS: Chassis number 128 Engine number 130SP Gearbox number 741 Differential number 139 2 litre overhead valve engine, four-speed gearbox, high ratio differential. Zenith 35mm carburettor. Four-wheel brakes. Thermo-syphon cooling although a period water pump is fitted but not yet connected. Cone clutch and crash box. 820x120 Excelsior tyres on beaded-edge rims. GENERAL INFORMATION: The car for sale here is understood to be three chassis numbers away from the car that placed sixth at the 1926 Le Mans 24 hour race. It is believed that the Le Mans car is currently in the Musée Henri Malartre . The respected connoisseur, Serge Pozzoli, himself a 25SP owner claimed that the Le Mans car was timed down pit straight at 140kph. Comparable to but rarer than such cars as the Delage DISS and the Ballot LTS the Theophile Schneider 25SP ranks amongst the quintessential, elegant, quality French fast tourers of the twenties. Motoring correspondent Hubert Keogh, in the May 1929 edition of Motor Sport magazine stated, “To sum up, the Le Mans Schneider impressed me very favourably, and I would consider it eminently suitable for the sporting driver who requires a high speed car”. Happy to assist with shipping. More images herehttps://petrolicious.com/articles/chances-are-you-ve-never-heard-of-this-2-litre-french-racer
Please note: For overseas buyers Australian government permission to export is pending and sale will need to be negotiated in the context of permission being granted.
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