Family Treasure

1928 3-liter Invicta LC197

Many will know the Invicta story, one of the many projects spearheaded by Noel Macklin. Born in Australia, Macklin and his parents relocated to Wimbledon, England, during the early part of the 20th Century. The son of a wealthy barrister, Macklin was educated at the famous public boarding school, Eton College. Having a vein of daredevil and spirit for adventure, Macklin raced on four legs, as well as four wheels, he represented Great Britain in the sport of Ice Hockey, served as Captain in the Royal Horse Artillery and led an exploratory party to film big game in Sudan. His car production days started with the Eric-Campbell before moving onto the Silver Hawk (a sporty light car). From petrol engine cars, Macklin turned to both Stanley and Doble steam power in search for excellence. The latter used superheated steam and very advanced technology. It is said his overall ethos was to build an engine that provided a lazy, effortless torque to maximum speed without gear-changing. Steam did fulfil his criteria, but accidental scalds, burns and a particularly nasty explosion ruled this form of power out for use by the general public.