A Rare 88-year-old Super Lion Steam Locomotive Is Sold At Bonhams Auction. There Are Only Four Of Them In The World

2023 Author: Natalie MacDonald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 13:59

At the Bonhams auction, an unusual ferry was sold - the "road locomotive" Super Lion, built in 1932 by the English company Fowler & Co. One of only four steam locomotives of this model, created by John Fowler, was bought for 911 thousand pounds (1.17 million dollars or 93.4 million rubles).

• "Road locomotives" in the 30s of the last century were built for traveling fairs, circuses and amusement parks. Their task was not only to transport all the necessary equipment, but also to supply it with electricity during stops and performances.
• Fowler specialized in the production of heavy equipment for railways and agriculture, and built only four steam "road locomotives". Their motors developed 10 hp each.
• This Super Lion was made for Anderton & Rowland and retains the decorations it was given when it was built for a more dramatic fairground look. The company operated it for its intended purpose until 1946, and parted with the Super Lion four years later. From that moment on, the ferry car turned into a collectible value, but underwent a comprehensive restoration only in the mid-90s.
• In total, the Super Lion biography has only three owners. Who exactly paid almost a million pounds for the ferry car is not specified, but the auction house specified that the Super Lion will become part of the Saunders Steam Collection, and after the end of the coronavirus restrictions it will be shown at specialized exhibitions.
• In September, the same auction house put up for sale one of the last limousines driven by US President John F. Kennedy. An open 1963 Lincoln Continental sold for $ 375,000 (29.7 million rubles).