Lot details
Registration No: XBV 624
Chassis No: S361327
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Among a handful known to still exist, RHD, older restoration

- Distinctive, Australian-market only 'Sloper' coachwork by Holden

- Well suited to historic endurance rallies

The punitive import duties levied on US-built vehicles by Britain's former colonies prompted General Motors to have its Canadian subsidiary manufacture suitable right-hand drive chassis which were then bodied locally in their destination markets. Responsible for clothing Australian Chevrolets from 1924 onwards, the output of Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd was predictably American in influence but also incorporated local design cues. Debuting in 1935, the streamlined Sports Coupe coachwork that Holden penned for the Chevrolet Six range was only available 'Down Under'. Known colloquially as the 'Sloper', the four-light Coupe was revised for each successive model year until 1940. Utilising the same rugged 'box-girder' chassis, 3.4 litre OHV straight-six engine, three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes as its American cousin, the Australian Chevrolet Six reputedly boasted extra ground clearance to better cope with the Outback's unmade roads (a definite plus for those tackling historic endurance rallies today). Built in mid-1936, this particular 'Sloper' is one of only a handful known to still exist. An older restoration that was stored as part of a collection for fifteen years before being imported to the UK in 2016, the 2+2-seater has recently been recommissioned. The engine is said to be in 'excellent condition with constant oil pressure, reliable starting and a watch-like tick over'. The chassis and underside are similarly reported to be 'excellent', the vendor adding that the Chevrolet 'runs extremely well, has powerful hydraulic brakes, good steering and is capable of keeping up with modern traffic. The body work is again in extremely good solid condition with no rust, the paint has mellowed, but provides a pleasing patinated appearance. I have no hesitation in recommending the car, it is a scarce model capable of travelling long distances with a high degree of reliability'. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, original 1936 Chevrolet Holden handbook and digital copy 1936 sales brochure.