01-08-2023, 02:27 PM
Colin, sadly, every lead we have attempted is a dead end. Multiple stories as to its provenance have come out, including from the seller in the US, but seem very plausible. We do know that GE exhibited cars in the US at the New York Auto Show for several years, including the car which was later shipped back to the UK and became the Machlachlan Special. What I suspect, given the car's apparent light usage, is that it came over as an exhibition for GE and remained in the US as something of a curiosity. American cars at the time were quite large and the Baby Austins were unusual. The Bantams were often found in Hollywood where their diminutive size was unusual. What we do know is the car was found in shed behind a filling station about a decade ago, and said shed was being demolished, with the car ending up in the ownership of one Murray Smith. He hung plates on it and, unfortunately, had the seats redone.
Erich in Mukilteo
Erich in Mukilteo