A Masterpiece of Pre-War British Engineering: The Invicta S-Type Vanden Plas comes to Auction
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Completed in March 1931, this 4½ litre Invicta S-Type represents one of the most exclusive collaborations between two titans of British automotive craftsmanship. The marriage of Invicta's engineering prowess with Vanden Plas's refined coachwork created a vehicle of profound character; of the eleven examples so bodied, each carries its own narrative of devotion and adventure.
Six Decades of Singular Stewardship
What distinguishes this particular motorcar is not merely its rarity, but the continuity of its relationship with its custodians. George Milligen, a collector of discerning taste, held the Invicta for six decades, during which time he amassed over 50,000 miles in its company, a figure that speaks to genuine use rather than mere preservation. This was a car driven with conviction, enjoyed with purpose, and treated as a living thing rather than a museum piece confined to silence.
The lineage extends beyond Mr Milligen's tenure. The car's provenance includes ownership by Tom Thistlethwaite, a former Bentley Works driver whose credentials place him among the finest piloting hands of his era. Latterly, it found refuge within The Flying Collection at Duxford, where it joined other aircraft and automotive treasures of historical significance. Each custodian added another chapter to an increasingly remarkable story.
Restoration and Revival
In 2020, Setford and Company undertook a comprehensive body-off restoration, a process that demanded the highest standards of authenticity and craftsmanship. Such meticulous work honours the original artistry of Vanden Plas, restoring the motorcar to a condition befitting its status, whilst ensuring it remains mechanically sound and eligible for both vintage racing circuits and long-distance touring. This is not a static trophy; it is a machine restored to life, ready for the next chapter of continuous ownership.
A Car Built to Endure
The 4½ litre engine, the low-chassis configuration, and the refined proportions of the Vanden Plas bodywork combine to create an instrument of considerable performance and presence. This generation of British sports car emerged from an era when engineering and aesthetics were not merely allied but inseparable, when a motorcar was expected to embody the character and intentions of its maker. The Invicta S-Type stands as testament to that philosophy, a vehicle that demands to be driven, experienced and appreciated by someone who understands the privilege of its stewardship.
Offered at The London Auction 2026 on 31 October, this motorcar awaits a collector prepared to honour its extraordinary history and continue its journey. It is rare to encounter a pre-war British sports car so thoroughly documented, so comprehensively restored, and so utterly ready to be experienced as its makers intended.
Key Facts
- Year: 1931
- Engine: 4½ litre
- Coachwork: Vanden Plas (one of eleven)
- Notable Ownership: George Milligen (60 years), Tom Thistlethwaite (Bentley Works driver), The Flying Collection at Duxford
- Restoration: Setford and Company, completed 2020
- Sale: RM Sotheby's The London Auction 2026, 31 October
The Simply Luxury View
For the serious collector of pre-war British motorcars, provenance and mechanical integrity are paramount. This Invicta S-Type possesses both in abundance. The combination of rarity (one of eleven), distinguished ownership (works driver provenance, institutional care), and professional restoration positions it as a significant offering within the category of heritage sports cars.
What elevates this beyond a mere technical specification is its usability. Too many pre-war cars are preserved in stasis; this one emerges from restoration eligible for racing and long-distance touring. For the owner who values the visceral experience of driving a genuine period machine, rather than viewing it as a static asset, this represents an exceptional proposition.
Official brand website: rmsothebys.com
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