Vauxhall introduced the 25hp D-type to their model range at the Olympia Motor Show in 1912, a model which was to remain in production until 1922 and proved sturdy and reliable on staff car duties during The Great War.

The 3,969cc engine, with bore and stroke of 95mm x 140mm, was conventional in all respects, following a basic Pomeroy design from 1908.

Indeed it was this engine which was to be further tuned and developed to power the famous Prince Henry sporting models.

Although chassis were delivered to bespoke coachbuilders by far the greater number of D-type Vauxhalls were to carry factory coachwork and in all some 4,000 or so D-type chassis left the Luton production line.

This car has been in the present ownership since 1954 and was discovered in derelict but remarkably complete condition in a storage building at Page Bank, near Durham City.

Garage proprietor Joe Fairless of Willington, County Durham, had bought the building in 1931, filled it with a large sleeve valve Daimler ...