1927 Invicta LC 4.5 Litre High Chassis “Meadows Special”

In the 1930s, Invicta owners would often give their cars nicknames. That actually suits the character of these automobiles perfectly, because an Invicta never feels like just a machine. It is the kind of car you naturally develop a bond with after only a few drives.

Invicta was founded in the 1920s with a clear idea in mind: combine American smoothness with European quality and road holding. That may sound logical today, but at the time it was a highly ambitious concept. The larger Meadows-powered models quickly earned a reputation for speed, strength, and above all remarkable endurance.

The High Chassis LC-Type became known as a true driver's car. Fast, powerful, and anything but intended for someone who merely wanted to cruise gently along the boulevard. These were cars that performed seriously well in their day, and much of their appeal came from the way the large inline-six delivered its power. Plenty of torque.

The famous Meadows engine could remain in top gear at remarkably low speeds and then accelerate without much effort. That was one of the great strengths of an Invicta at the time. No constant shifting, simply press the throttle and feel the car pull itself forward.

And that is exactly what gives a High Chassis so much character. This example was built on the basis of a 3 Litre chassis and reconstructed by Jan Apel, a name well known among connoisseurs of this type of prewar automobile. The work was carried out with care and the result is convincing as a whole. The proportions are right, the engineering feels appropriate, and the car has exactly the imposing presence a large Invicta should have. On the road, you also quickly understand why these cars developed such a strong reputation.

The car feels substantial, mechanical, and mature. You are not sitting in a light-footed sports car that does everything for you. You have to drive it. And that is precisely the fun of it. The steering, engine, gearbox, and entire experience demand your attention, and then reward you with a driving sensation that is completely different from anything modern. It was no different in period.

Invicta built cars for customers who wanted to maintain high average speeds without the machinery immediately suffering for it. Long distances, steep hills, and demanding conditions were simply part of the job. That is exactly why these cars were so highly regarded in endurance events. This LC 4.5 Litre fits perfectly into that tradition.

It has Dutch registration, remains in well-cared-for condition, and was clearly built with the intention of being used. Not merely to be admired, but to be started, brought up to temperature, and then properly driven. Interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering today, established in 1975. We export our vehicles worldwide; please ask us about the possibilities.

* "In the 1930s Invicta owners gave their cars nicknames - What will you call this Invicta in your garage?"
* Rebuilt on 3 Litre chassis by Jan Apel - Known among connoisseurs
* "Great job done"
* With clear Dutch registration - no doubts about it
* "At the time the High Chassis LC-Type Invicta's were known as true-blue and extremely fast race cars - Not for every driver"
* Just stunning