Almost completely separate from the pre-war Invicta marque, the reformation of the company in 1946 led to “mass” production. Yup, they made all of 16 cars before folding in 1950. However, each of those cars had some unbelievable features for the day — read on to learn more. This paused project is for sale here on eBay where the buy it now is $34,000. It’s located in Templeton, California and is said to be the only Black Prince in the US!
We’re told that the car’s restoration was cut short 22 years ago by the death of the second owner — the car has been stored in his widow’s garage ever since until her death this year. The DOHC, three liter, 120 horsepower Meadows engine is said to have been rebuilt during this time. As you can see, there is still some work to be done on the car, and we’re shorter than we’d like on details.
The Invicta itself had some fascinating features, including that DOHC engine, four electro-hydrualic jacks, four-wheel independent suspension, inboard drum brakes, an engine block heater and a trickle charger for the battery. But the transmission was the crowning touch! Described as a multi-stage torque converter, the Brockhouse Hydro-Kinetic Turbo-Transmitter (what a name!) was the first British automatic transmission. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a reliability success and frequently broke — which is probably why the transmission in this car has been replaced with a Jaguar unit.
The interior doesn’t look bad at all, and surely reflects some work done by the prior owner. Although I really like this car and recognize it’s rarity, it’s hard to value something like this. Prices are all over, with a Shooting brake version going for $22,000 in 2017. However, here’s another car (amazing that of the 12 left there are as many references to them on the internet) that is for sale here for $64,568 in Australia. And since there are so few cars, who’s to say what it’s really worth?
The Meadows engine certainly looks like a lot of work has been done.
Yes, this is really what the hood ornament on Invictas looked like. However, we’re told this one isn’t original, but that the molds for it are included in the auction. Seriously? The previous owner was so devoted to getting it right that they cast a new hood ornament? Wow! Maybe this one is worth another look. What do you think?
Reader Chris M happens to be the seller of this Invicta and we want to thank him for listing it with us! If you have any questions for him, be sure to leave them down in the comments section below. And, if you have a rare project that needs a new home, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
When a restored Bonham’s car sold for half as much, you are already underwater by reading the ad. Just look away!
Hi Fred, to understand correctly you think that this car, that have survived for 70 years with all most all components original equipped, that have the same body shell of a Lagonda Lg6 far advance technology (aircraft from ww2)
Dosent deserves to be come back to life?
To be honest I am a freak car enthusiast and never seen some of the technology of the black prince, and willing to take the risk on this project have bought the car. After a close look I have not other thinking that we take the right pad on this project.
Will keep posting advance on the restoration. Best regards to all Robert
Too bad they are so rare and thereby costly, because man o man it would make for one heck of a distinctive Street Rod.
This was for sale at an auction in January. I was tempted then when it was 1/3 of this price.
Its the same car sure enough
It sold for 1/3 the cost because it was a very obscure website at the time, it was an auction, and it was cash only.
I am the seller and definitely open to offers. I based it off what others sold for. If someone wanted to offer me full asking price, I am not going to argue. I will be lowering the price soon if it doesn’t sell.
Hello Jamie,
I am surprised that you said hood ornament. On the stately British cars like this one and the Rolls, they referred to them as mascots. On the P2’s (Rolls Phantom II ) the mascot was pure silver from the factory, and someone I know who does a large amount of Rolls work tells me that they cast duplicates because so many of the originals were stolen.
thanks,
matt
Hi, Matt — I will concede that mascot is the correct term in this case! ;-)
Rather a beautiful classic British car. The horsepower is hood for the era, plus the Independant suspension sounds good.
I’m curious to know how the inboard brake drums perform?
I wonder if conversion to onboard disks may be in improvement and a viable proposition?
Brilliant dash design. Anyone who’s spent time with under dash wiring should be able to appreciate the concept of having a dash cover held on by 10 or 12 screws. (more so if the electrics are by Lucas).
Most recently overheard Lucas electrics joke: Why do the British drink warm beer? Lucas refrigerators…
‘ Laughed to hard I kiicked three slats out of my crib when I first heard that one.
The ad states that the original transmission is missing. @PaulB: where was this being auctioned at 1/3 the price?
It was some estate auction online I recall. It also discussed the transmission. The car used a very unusual and problematic transmission originally. I recall it went for around $10K plus or minus a bit. I looked and the listing is down now
Belongs in a auto or bus museum
In Bel-Air
Makana,
That joke was old when I got into the British car hobby in 1984! As for Lucas jokes and negative comments, did you ever notice that they never come from people who’ve actually owned and driven British cars?
Owners or ex-owners of British cars don’t make jokes about Lucas , because the wounds are still too fresh.
I’ll admit I replaced my Lucas alternator with a Delco on my MGB. I wanted more amps, and the Delco increased output from 43 to 105 amps. It’s the only electrical component on the car that has failed.
I just want one for the name!
” we need the make of your car for the parking pass Sir”
” I drive an Invicta Black Prince!”
Hi David the car is on his way to Mexico, were it will be fully restored and then used as a flag car for the restoration shop.
Don’t know the final value of the car when is finish, and I don’t really care is a one of a cain car only this example in the world has this body type, so if some one ask me the car will be a center pice of any car show, when it’s finished and if some one wants the car is going to be sold as
Unique piece.
I know where this car is …engine already is running, as has a dinamo problem….probably will be painted in a week or two from today June 02 2020