1928 Invicta 4½ Litre S-Type ‘Low Chassis’
Also known as the Type LS, this Invicta was known for its low-slung chassis. Designed by Reid Railton the design was underslung which ran the axles over the chassis to achieve a very low stance.
Like the earlier models, the Invicta used a 4.5-liter version of the Meadows 6-cylinder engine which was very undersquare with a long stroke. Favorable torque characteristics meant that the four-speed was versatile.
Carbodies of Coventry suppied Invicta directly with the standard 4-seat tourer which was compliant the regulations for Class C racing. At the time this required a minimum weight of 1200 kg and seating for four people. Much like the Mercedes-Benz, the Invicta featured large chromed exhaust covers.
At the time, the Invicta was an expensive car that was raced at the top level of motorsports. Donald Healey piloted one to a resounding overall victory at the 1931 Monte Carlo rally.
1928 Invicta 4½ Litre S-Type ‘Low Chassis’ Gallery
In Detail
| production | 77 |
| engine | Meadows Inline-6 |
| position | Front, Longituinal |
| block material | Cast Iron |
| valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl. |
| fuel feed | 2 SU HV5 Carburetors |
| displacement | 4469 cc / 272.72 in³ |
| bore | 88.5 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 120.6 mm / 4.7 in |
| compression | 7.0:1 |
| power | 82.0 kw / 110 bhp @ 3200 rpm |
| specific output | 24.61 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 73.33 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 235 nm / 173.3 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Frame |
| f suspension | Solid Axle |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hartford Friction Dampers |
| curb weight | 1500 kg / 3308 lbs |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~150 kph / 93.15 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~15.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1931 Invicta 4½-Litre LS-Type Coupé – sold for €535,182 The car exhibited is a rare, if not unique two-seater coupé (+ 2 symbolic) belonging to the same owner since 1972. Its British registration was previously GO 6422. The copy of the previous French Carte Grise shows us that the car was owned by a certain Mr Mclaren living in Paris at 112 boulevard Saint-Germain with the following registration : 248 YP 75.
The previous registration number written on this old carte grise is ES 4007.
This impressive low frame Sports Invicta with closed body (opening windscreen), produced in only a handful of models, is unique in France. Black with Havana Peccary interior and green carpeting with Havana piping, it is in very good overall condition and is ready to take to the road along with its normal French vehicle registration document. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a great British sports car from the end of the vintage period. Auction Source: 2011 Salon Rétromobile Aucion by Artcurial
