1921 Swift 12hp Two-seater with Dickey, Registration no. VSU 913 (to be confirmed) Chassis no. 3173 Engine no. M764

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: Exempt

*Rare survivor of a quality make
*An older restoration
*Recently re-commissioned

Coventry-based bicycle maker Swift turned to motor manufacture at the turn of the 20th Century with a single-cylinder voiturette powered by a De Dion-style MMC engine, progressing to a 10hp twin-cylinder light car, entirely of its own design, in 1904. The twin was replaced by a four-cylinder 10hp model in 1914, a 12hp four being added at the same time. A new '12' was announced in March 1919, joining the pre-war '10'. Concentrating on the manufacture of small family cars while producing virtually all its own parts enabled Swift to beat its mass-producing rivals for quality but not for price, a policy that led, inevitably, to its closure in 1931. According to the Swift Register, only some 200-or-so Swift motor vehicles of all types are known to survive worldwide, mostly in the UK but spread as far as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
This Swift was sold new via F N Morgan of Newport and probably registered as 'TJ 3457' originally. No further history is known until the 1980s/1990s when the car was restored in England and reregistered as 'VSU 913' (photographs on file). The Swift came to Jersey in 1996 and was actively campaigned in club events on the island. Purchased by the current vendor in November 2019 following a period of inactivity, it was then re-commissioned, being serviced and fitted with new Blockley tyres, new carpets, new battery, etc (bills on file). Reported as running well, this charming Vintage-era Swift and is only sold because the vendor no longer has time to enjoy it.

Vendor Score Total: 61 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 14 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 3
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 0
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 0
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 15 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 0