Invicta 4.5 Litre 'low chassis', 1927

The Invicta 4½-Litre emerged in the late 1920s as the Surrey-based marque's flagship model, designed to combine exceptional performance with durability. Powered by a robust Meadows inline six-cylinder engine, it delivered effortless torque, making high-speed touring its natural habitat. Unlike many competitors, Invicta built its cars with unusually robust components, earning the car a reputation for robustness. The model's fame was cemented by Violette Cordery's endurance records, which demonstrated the Invicta's reliability under demanding conditions. In motorsport, the 4½-Litre “low chassis” proved highly capable, culminating in a class win and sixth-place overall finish at the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally. Production was limited to approximately fifty examples. Each one was hand-built and customized to the specifications of its first owner. Today, the 4½-Litre is considered one of the most admired British sports cars of the interwar period, prized for its combination of speed, technical robustness and understated style.

Technical data:

Meadows straight‑six engine (OHV)
cylinder capacity: 4467 cc
induction: 2 SU carburettors
capacity: 110 bhp at 3,500 rpm
torque: approximately 260–280 Nm
top‑speed: around 95 mph / 153 km/h, depending on bodywork and gearing
gearbox: four‑speed manual, non‑synchromesh
brakes: mechanical drums on all four wheels
weight: 1600 - 1700 kg depending on coachwork