Lot details

Year: 1912
Make: Calthorpe
Model: Tulip Phaeton
Registration: Unregistered
Chassis No: 599
Odometer: tba

• In running and driving condition
• Owned by the Calthorpe family
• Offered for sale for the first time in 114 years

The Calthorpe Tulip Phaeton represents a fascinating glimpse into the elegance and experimentation of early British motoring. Built by the Calthorpe Motor Company of Birmingham, a firm established in the early 20th century, the car reflects the company's reputation for producing refined light vehicles with a sporting character. At this time, Calthorpe was transitioning into a more formal corporate structure, having been reorganised in 1912, and was actively developing new models to meet the growing demand for smaller, stylish cars. The Tulip Phaeton body style, although rare and somewhat obscure today, was typical of the Edwardian era's fascination with open touring cars that combined practicality with visual flair. The term 'Phaeton' referred to a lightweight, open automobile with minimal weather protection, while 'Tulip' described the gently flared, petal-like shape of the rear bodywork, giving the car a distinctive, almost floral silhouette. Mechanically, a Calthorpe would likely have featured a four-cylinder engine, modest in capacity but reliable, paired with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Calthorpe cars of this period often used proprietary engines such as those from White and Poppe and were known for their solid engineering and competitive performance in early motor events. Their vehicles were not only practical road cars but also capable of respectable speeds for the era, with some models competing in trials and races across Europe. The Tulip Phaeton's design emphasised both driver engagement and passenger enjoyment. With its open-top configuration, occupants were fully exposed to the elements, making motoring an immersive experience. The sweeping rear bodywork added a sense of elegance, aligning with contemporary tastes that blended craftsmanship and artistry in automotive design.

This exquisite Tulip Phaeton is still owned by the Calthorpe family and we can find no evidence of the car ever being registered. Clearly a restoration project has been carried out, although this would appear to have been a good few years ago as this Phaeton has been in professional storage for the last 27 years. Prior to going into storage this Calthorpe was in a museum. New tyres have recently been fitted and an 'old school' mechanic spent a bit of time under the bonnet to get the vehicle running, with the vehicle being driven on a private road for the first time in decades. He did advise that some sympathetic re-commissioning would be beneficial. The curvaceous design of the Tulip Phaeton is eye-catching and unique. The yellow coachwork is in great condition and the black seating is unmarked, the artillery wheels appear to be in good order. Sold with a 'bill of sale', this fabulous Calthorpe is offered for sale for the first time in 114 years. Today, surviving examples of early Calthorpe cars are extremely rare, with only a handful believed to exist. As such, this 1912 Tulip Phaeton stands as a symbol of a pioneering era in motoring history, when innovation, style, and individuality defined the automobile. Consigned by Stewart Banks