1919 Arrol-Johnston 15.9HP Tourer

Offered by Bonhams | Beaulieu, U.K. | September 10, 2022

Photo – Bonhams

When I think of Arrol-Johnston, I think early, London-to-Brighton-style vehicles. But the marque actually survived until about 1930. The company built its first car in 1895 and was named for financial backer William Arrol and the prototype’s designer, George Johnston.

The 15.9HP model was introduced around the time this car is dated to. It would be a mainstay of the Arrol-Johnston lineup, even surviving the merger with Aster in 1927. The model would last through 1929.

It’s powered by a 2.6-liter inline-four. Most of the 15.9HP model’s production was front-loaded during its run, with about 2,100 produced by the end of ’23. They trickled out after that. The restoration on this one was completed a dozen years ago, and it now carries an estimate of $23,000-$35,000. Click here for more info.

Update: Not sold.

1902 Arrol-Johnston 10/12HP Dogcart

Offered by Bonhams | London, U.K. | October 30, 2020

This is London-to-Brighton royalty. Arrol-Johnston produced the first car in Britain, and the company was named after George Johnston and William Arrol. They were based in Scotland, and many of their early vehicles were “dogcarts” (which is a type of carriage). They looked like this, and by 1902, they were pretty old-school (they continued to sell this 1895 design until 1906!).

More modern cars followed, and the company limped along into the 1920s before merging with the French Aster to form Arrol-Aster. They then concentrated on sleeve-valved engines until going out of business for good in 1931.

The wood-bodied car is powered by a flat-twin that made 10 horsepower. This very car has completed 10 London-to-Brighton runs and is a very distinctive car on the run. It is expected to sell for between $100,000-$160,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $126,798.