By 1929 the company closed down the body building side and contracted this to outside suppliers. 1930 saw the introduction of a new 30HP model, which didn't require a de-coke before 40,000 miles - up to that time the normal de-coke period was 8000 miles or even less. Production that year was running at 5,494 chassis in various forms. Also, the fluid flywheel and pre-selector were introduced, with Henry Ford's son Edsel being one of the first to order one and have it shipped to the USA. Christmas 1930 was bleak due to the Wall Street Crash and one of Britains oldest car manufacturers, the Lanchester Motor Company became one of its victims, with Daimler/BSA buying the company for £26,371. The 15/18 Lanchester was launched in 1931 and was hailed as one of the most interesting cars at the Olympia Motor Show. Priced at £565, this 2504cc six kept a lot of the Lanchester innovations along with Daimler's fluid flywheel. It was attractive enough for the Duke of York to take delivery of one in 1932. The same type of car was the first ever winner of the RAC Rally, a 1000 mile touring event ending in Torquay. Second place in the same event was a 30/40 Daimler Double Six.

Lanchesters London Showroom

Lanchester 15/18