1938 H.R.G. Airline Coupé (factory one-off prototype coupé)
- Engine
- 1.5L OHV inline-four, 55 bhp, sourced from Triumph Gloria
The sole factory-built coupe ever produced by H.R.G., this one-off machine was commissioned in 1938 by company co-founder Major E.A. Halford. Its construction blended a Triumph Gloria 1.5-litre engine and gearbox with a widened Halford Special racing chassis, while its coachwork joined the rear section of an MG PA Airline coupe to bespoke front metalwork by A. Crofts. The car's relative luxury caused internal conflict at H.R.G., ultimately contributing to Halford's departure from the firm. After decades of private use, it was comprehensively restored between 2000 and 2010 and subsequently collected multiple concours awards.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$176,000
- 1938 → 1938Factory deliveryMajor E.A. Halfordpartial documentation
Halford co-founded HRG and personally commissioned this unique coupe, combining components from various sources. He left the firm in 1938 amid internal disagreement over the car's departure from company values.
- 1938 → 1963Private saleUnidentified private owner post-Halfordpartial documentation
Reportedly used the vehicle as everyday transport for approximately 23 years following acquisition shortly after Halford's departure.
- 1963 → 1966Private saleSheffield University studentpartial documentation
Acquired the car and subsequently sold it to a friend after roughly three years.
- 1966 → 2013-03-01Private saleBob Affleckfull documentation
Held the car for approximately 48 years; commissioned a thorough restoration during 2000–2010 by Hahn and Woodward Auto Restoration, with separate bodywork carried out by Steve Glazier. The restoration was documented in a specialist publication.
- 2013-03-01 →Private saleSmith Collectionpartial documentation
Acquired the coupe the month following its Pebble Beach appearance; subsequently loaned it for display at the Petersen Automotive Museum's streamlined-coachwork exhibit and had it freshened by Vantage Motorworks of Miami.
Competition
- 20112011 Radnor Hunt Concours d'EleganceTwo awards won
- 20122012 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceAward recipient
- 20122012 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Celebration of AutomobilesAward recipient
- 20122012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Appeared at the conclusion of a successful concours season; no specific award mentioned for this event.
Maintenance & restoration
- —BodyworkA. Crofts
Coachwork assembled by A. Crofts at the time of the car's original construction, grafting the rear of an MG PA Airline coupe onto new front-end sheetmetal.
Original factory build; recorded here as the foundational coachwork episode.
- —RestorationHahn and Woodward Auto Restoration
Full concours-level restoration carried out over roughly a decade, with mechanical work by Hahn and Woodward Auto Restoration and bodywork by Steve Glazier. The finished result was documented in two published magazine articles.
Bodywork component performed by Steve Glazier of Houston, Ohio. Restoration coverage appeared in Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, January and February 2013 issues.
- —ServiceVantage Motorworks
Light freshening work carried out to bring the car up to current presenting condition.
Performed in Miami at an unspecified recent date prior to the auction consignment.
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