A twin HP Mystery (update: 1911-1912 Itala)

The license plate does have many more possibilities. The two letters look more like "AN" After magnifying the photo to 400%.

The last number is more likely a "2." Placing a straight edge along the bottom of the license plate the bottom of the last number aligns with bottom of the other number twos and the bottoms of the letters - it does not appear to be the cross bar of a number four which is raised up higher.

If the original AN registration records still exist it may be easy to check registrations beginning with "AN 242?" and see other possibilites for the manufacturer of the vehicle.

at the following link there is a nice large photo of an Itala presumably 1911-1912 because the picture is taken during the Balkan War in 1913. The hood/windshield area seems a bit different though

http://www.cotidianul.ro/images/5.tata%28grigore_c.balaceanustolnici%29_cu_masina_in_razboiul_balcanic%281913%29.jpg

agreed, Ariejan; sorry for doubting you, but that leaves the puzzle regarding the comment on the registration number

Puzzles me too: does it mean that the car was registered at first with another number?

Regarding the 'looks', check this Australian example with the following link (there are more images of the car on this site). You will be surprised by the resemblance. What I can't explain though is the lower radiator part of the English Itala, which seems to be covered with something.

http://bishop.slq.qld.gov.au/view/action/singleViewer.do?dvs=1387469567082~625&locale=nl_NL&metadata_object_ratio=7&show_metadata=true&VIEWER_URL=/view/action/singleViewer.do?&DELIVERY_RULE_ID=10&frameId=1&usePid1=true&usePid2=true

William, Ariejan - thanks very much for the comments. Yet another mystery resolved through the power of the Internet!

I am puzzled by the term 'short of the registration not being AM 2525' as that seems to be an option, but surely the Itala logo was vertical, not horizontal, and the front axle not so deeply curved under radiator, presumably to accommodate a very low crankshaft ?

John Hugh has already asked for identification on the VSCC forum and has received what I would consider to be a very well researched answer from the well respected John Warburton ex Editor of the VSCC Bulletin. Short of the registration number not being AM 2425 [a Wilshire number] this is a 14-18 h.p. Itala first registered on May 25th 1912 to Edwin George Wyld, The Vicarage, Melksham, Wiltshire. A torpedo [tourer] originally painted 'dark blue'. Due to the tones in the photo that is published here it is considered that this image was taken at a later date.

It's my guess that we see an Itala of 1911 or 1912.