1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial

1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial – The Only Surviving Example; Now Fully Restored.

This 1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial is fully restored, historically raced, and mechanically rebuilt with meticulous attention to detail.

This car is a collector’s centre piece; original, beautiful and memorable. Early enquiry is recommended.

• Confirmed 1098cc CIME A2S engine with four-speed gearbox and double Cardan shaft.
• Asymmetrical period-correct racing body with offset two-seat cockpit
• Documented participation in Cambridge University Automobile Club competitions, including Hatley Park Speed Trials.
• New body and radiator surround fabricated from period photographs and measurements from surviving examples.
• Coach painted in white, applied to reflect the original style.

A Sporting Car from the Heart of the 1920s with Competition Pedigree

Supplied new to England via Jack Mills Ltd, this sole surviving Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial was owned by Archibald B. Maconochie. During the late 1920s, it raced in Cambridge University Automobile Club events, including Hatley Park Speed Trials and Inter-Varsity Hill-Climbs. 

The Type S featured a 1098cc overhead-valve CIME engine with a four-speed gearbox and double Cardan shaft transmission. Its chassis widened behind the scuttle to support razor-edged racing coachwork. The offset cockpit allowed a driver and mechanic to sit side by side while maintaining balance, and creating a stream-line effect.

During Boy Maconochie’s ownership, the Rally was loaned to Victor Wilmoth, who drove it in Cambridge University Automobile Club competitions. It achieved strong results in upto 1100cc sports classes at Hatley Park and Inter-Varsity Hill-Climbs. The car’s performance highlighted Rally’s sporting engineering even as the marque remained small in production.

Restoration with Precision

Acquired by our client in 2018 in a poor and rusted state, the Rally initially seemed an immense challenge, remenicent of the ‘Lady Of the Lake’ Brescia Bugatti. Recognising its historical importance, our client committed to a full restoration that would respect its heritage while making it driveable – a task that had been declined by others in previous years.

Over seven years, he oversaw a meticulous rebuild of the engine and magneto, cleaned and straightened the chassis, and overhauled or replaced mechanical components with period-correct parts. The gear box had been stolen, but our client painstakingly searched and eventurally found the correct period replacement in France. Every step was overseen personally, reflecting his hands-on approach and deep knowledge of classic racing cars.

Coachbuilder Ian Pitney recreated the razor-edged body and radiator surround using original photographs, surviving examples, and measurements taken by David. Careful attention was paid to cockpit layout, body lines, and seating offsets to preserve the car’s originality. 

The decision was made to coach paint the car white to 1926 specification, while fittings, trim, and minor components were restored or remade to specification. The result is a car that combines historical accuracy, mechanical integrity, and driveability.

Recognition and Concours Presentation

The restoration also involved sourcing rare and hard-to-find components, with our client dedicating hours to specialist suppliers across the UK and France. Where original parts could not be obtained, faithful reproductions were commissioned, ensuring every element met the highest standards. His work included careful testing and fine adjustments, making the Rally both visually authentic and mechanically robust, ready to be driven as intended.

This dedication was rewarded when the Rally was shown at the Hampton Court Palace Concours 2025. Commentators and enthusiasts alike praised its craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and mechanical integrity. The car exceeded expectations, reflecting the precision and expertise invested over seven years, and today stands as a fully functional, historically faithful, and beautifully finished 1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial.

Our client was delighted that he entered the car to Hampton Court Palace Concours, enjoying displaying her and sharing the story of their journey together. This, and with an editorial in The Automobile, Oct 2025 has represented a joyful and satisfying conclusion to a genuine feat of restoration and commitment. 

Ready for Driving and Display

Today, this 1926 Rally Grand Sport Type S Spécial is fully operational and documented. It is suited for club events, historic racing, or concours presentation.

Its combination of racing history, authentic rebuild, and driveable mechanics offers a complete package for collectors.

Contact Tom today to arrange a private viewing, or ask for more details on this exceptional historic car.