Lot details
Registration No: UL 3806
Chassis No: 35533
Mot Expiry: May 2004

Under three different companies - Swift Cycle, Swift Motor and Swift of Coventry - former sewing machine and then bicycle maker Swift produced their first De Dion powered Swift tricycle in 1898. From 1902, car production was concentrated at a new works at Cheylesmore, Coventry.
2 and 3-cylinder engines of Swift's own manufacture were offered from 1904 and larger 4-cylinder power units from 1905. A single-cylinder 2-seater, also badged as an Austin, was the mainstay of Swift production 1909-1910. Pre-WW1, 2 and 4-cylinder models were offered. By 1919, car and cycle firms had combined, post-war car production being concentrated on the pre-war 1122cc Ten and a new 1944cc Twelve, both employing sidevalve fours. The Q Type Ten with smaller 1097cc coil ignition engine was available from 1923 and the 1190cc P Type replaced it in 1926, some 4500 being made until 1931.
The Midland vendor tells us that his Swift was made in 1929 and that, by 1970, had become a restoration project, the rebuild of which was completed by 1975. The P Type tourer was then used regularly, winning a 'Best in Show' award in 1998. We understand that the10hp 4-cylinder motor was rebuilt in 2001 and is not yet run-in, as apparently the car has been little driven since. Chassis, open 4-seater bodywork, maroon over black paintwork, red interior and 4-speed gearbox are all said to be in good condition. The MOT is current until the end of May.