1908 Alldays & Onions 10/12hp Four-seater Swing-seat Tonneau
Registration no. F 3318
Chassis no. 2754
Engine no. 3294

A firm that could trace its origins as far back as the 17th Century, the Alldays & Onions Pneumatic Engineering Company of Birmingham built its first automobile in 1898 and its first motorcycle in 1903. From 1919, car production continued under the Enfield-Alldays name until 1925 while that of motorcycles ended in the late 1920s. The firm followed up its first automobile - a 4hp single-cylinder De Dion-engined quadri-cycle - with a single-cylinder light car before introducing the twin-cylinder 1.6-litre 10/12hp in 1905. This would turn out to be the company's most successful model, lasting in production until 1913. This example was first registered on 8th July 1909 to one Frederick William Collier of Leytonstone, Essex. By 1948 the car had passed into the collection belonging to the late A W F Smith of Cross in Hand, East Sussex and was still un-restored. Following Mr Smith's death, the car was sold at auction in June 1968 when his collection was dispersed, passing into the ownership of the late Arthur Griffin during whose stewardship it was sympathetically restored. When Arthur Griffin died, the Alldays was auctioned again (in 1987) at which time it was described as 'still highly original, even down to some of the upholstery... fitted with its original body, the front passenger seat swinging to one side to give access to the rear passenger compartment.' The Stepney wheel was still in place and although the car had been museum stored for some time it was believed to be in good running order. The current (lady) vendor's father purchased 'F 3318' at the 1987 auction. Sadly, he was unable to use and exhibit the car – known as 'Florence' – and she became the jewel in the backdrop of family life, forming part of an eclectic collection housed in the sitting room! The Alldays will have been prepared by Tim Walker Restorations prior to sale. Described as in generally good/very good condition, its engine running smoothly and registering good oil pressure, this charming Edwardian touring car is offered with old-style logbook, VCC dating certificate and Swansea V5 document. A video of the car driving can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXDZlugzJks