1947 Frazer Manhattan

We know next to nothing about the life story of this 1947 LHD Frazer Manhattan sedan.

We know it was built in 1947.

We know its VIN is: F47C100473.

We know it joined a collection in 2015 and our vendor bought it in July 2022.  He hasn't done anything to it since.

We know the odometer currently reads 32,667 miles.

The inscription on the rather heraldic-looking Frazer badge reads ‘Je suis prêt’, meaning, ‘I am ready’.

Well, it might be.

Unfortunately, we can’t put it to the test because we don’t currently have a key for this vehicle.

We’re guessing from a couple of Concours D’Elegance car show entry cards that came with the vehicle that it was living in Quebec, Canada, at some point.

Our assessment comes with the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive the car and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition.

In general, and from a few yards away, this big, handsome car presents pretty well.

The two-tone brown over cream paintwork is fairly good in the main and the bodywork is largely devoid of any significant dinks, dents and creases.

Get a little closer, though, and one or two issues become apparent.

The o/s/r door doesn’t close properly.

Aside from that, there are some scuffs, scratches and paint chips along the car’s n/s flanks.

There are scuffs and paint chips on the o/s/r wing and something (it looks oil or tar based) has been spilled over the boot.

There’s a scuff at the front of the bonnet and some paint chips and scuffs on top of both the n/s/f and o/s/r wings.

There are some paint chips behind the rear edge of the bonnet on the o/s.

The lights, badging and chrome work seem very good, save for couple of spots of rust dust on the front bumper.

The o/s/f window is scratched and streaked, and the o/s/r and n/s/f windows have several cracks to the glass.

The interior is good in parts and less so in others, thanks largely to the unwanted attentions of moths, who have really been to town on the fabric on the two front door cards and, just for fun, chewed a few holes in the fabric of the seats, front and back.

The structure of the seats, though, appears to be fine and they feel supportive, comfortable and functional all-round.

The headlining is not ripped or holed but is in need of some vigorous cleaning.

The (presumably polyester or similar) carpets and mats have survived rather better than some of the car’s natural fabrics.

The steering wheel, dashboard, instruments and all interior fixtures and fittings look fine.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

While the undersides appear to have a reasonable amount of structural integrity, there is rust dust and flaking in evidence, particularly along the sills.

You’ll want to see it for yourself before reaching your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay seem to be in good condition with everything in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it is not registered in any country, so has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.  We believe import tax on this car, due to it's age, is 5%.

Any paperwork shown in the gallery is all we have, there is nothing else.

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

That said, provided the car’s engine and mechanicals are in proper working order and amenable to recommissioning, we think this fine and rare survivor of a bygone era could well repay the time and effort required to return it to its former glory.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £5,000 - £6,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.