British and European Car Spotters Guide - 1939 |
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Peace in our time. Easy to say, hard to deliver with Adolf hell bent on world domination. Naturally enough the motor industry became a major contributor of war materials for both the Allies and Axis. These did not only comprise trucks and other transport but tanks and armoured cars, aircraft and aircraft engines, guns and ammuunition, and countless other items. In the UK Armoured fighting vehicle production immediately got underway and during September to December 947 AFVs were built, followed by 7441 in 1940 and then rising steadily to 31,851 in 1943.
Export of cars and trucks still amounted to 77,412 units, valued at £9.7 million; obviously for 1940 these figures were considerably lower. By the end of November 2,157,975 vehicles were in use in the United Kingdom, namely 1,627,083 private cars, 463,474 commercials and only 67,418 'hackneys' (lowest since 1919). Large numbers of private cars and trucks were impressed by the armed forces and many civilian cars were transformed into ambulances, American cars being particularly suitable for such conversions. Approximately 305,000 cars were produced during this year and new car registrations amounted to 235,795 plus 7093 'hackneys'. |
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AC 16/80 Sports Four-seater Tourer |
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Also see: AC Car Reviews | The History of AC (AUS Edition) |
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The AC 16/80 Sports chassis with Four-seater Tourer bodywork. This chassis cost £350 in standard 15·7 HP form but was available with 16.9 HP Arnott supercharged engine at an extra £56. Wheelbase was 8 ft 10 in, tire size 5,00-19. |
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Alfa Romeo 512 Prototype |
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Also see: Alfa Romeo Car Reviews | The History of Alfa Romeo |
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1939 Alfa Romeo 512 Prototype. Designed by Wilfredo Ricart, it was produced during 1940-1941, and was designated as the 512. Powered by 335bhp 1490cc supercharged flat-twelve only 2 were built, but were never raced. |
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Allard Two Plus One |
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Also see: Allard Car Reviews | The History of Allard |
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This picture shows D. G. Shilcock's 1939 Allard two-plus-one at the 1939 Poole speed trials. The plus-one referred to a third seat placed transversely behind the front ones. |
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Alvis 4·3 liter Drophead Coupe |
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Also see: Alvis Car Reviews | The History of Alvis |
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The Alvis 4·3 liter with special Drophead Coupe coachwork. The 4·3 was available with 10ft 4 in and 10ft 7 in wheelbase. The engine was a 4387-cc (92x 110 mm) OHV Six with three carbs, rated at 31-48 HP. Actual power output was 137 bhp at 3600 rpm. Front suspension was independent with transverse leaf spring, brakes were servo-assisted mechanical. Maximum speed was over 100 mph.
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Alvis 4·3 liter Standard Four-Door Saloon |
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Also see: Alvis Car Reviews | The History of Alvis |
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The Alvis 4·3-liter Standard Four-Door Saloon cost £995. It was built on the long (10ft 7 in. wb) chassis, which cost £750 'bare'. One of these saloons lapped Brooklands at just over 103 mph.
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Armstrong Siddeley 16 HP Saloon |
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Also see: The History of Armstrong Siddeley |
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The Armstrong Siddeley 16 HP Saloon was a new model for 1939, and came equipped with the Wilson four-speed pre-selective gearbox with control on steering column. The engine was a 1991-cc (65 x 100 mm) OHV Six. Wheelbase 9 ft 3 in. Tyre size 5·50-17. Prices, chassis £275, Saloon £380. 14, 17, 20 and 25 HP models were unchanged carryovers from 1938.
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Austin Norfolk Saloon |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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The Austin 1939 range comprised more than 25 models in seven series. During the year two new models were added: a new Eight and a redesigned Ten. The other models were much the same as for 1938 but with detail improvements. The Austin Norfolk Saloon used the 18 HP short wheelbase (9 ft 4½ in) chassis with 2510-cc side-valve Six engine. Permanent hydraulic jacks facilitated the raising of all four wheels or the front and rear wheels in pairs.
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Austin Sixteen |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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Quoting the brochure: "The name Austin is synonymous the world over with dependable and care-free motoring. This invaluable reputation, which has been built up over the past forty years, is now further enhanced by the resources of the modern plant and skilled engineers today responsible for the production of Austin cars. The present Austin Sixteen saloon offers the finest all-round value in medium-sized cars. Of proved design and construction, and available as a four-door de-luxe saloon with many attractive coachwork features, the Sixteen, powered with an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine, has an outstanding performance with rapid hill climbing and excellent acceleration as notable features." |
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Austin Ascot Cabriolet |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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Austin Ascot Cabriolet on 12 HP chassis. The folding roof could be fixed in one of three positions: up, halfway open or fully lowered. Similar-looking but of different dimensions were the Conway (10 HP) and Goodwood (14 HP) Cabriolets.
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Austin Twenty-Eight Ranelagh Limousine |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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The Austin Twenty-Eight Ranelagh Limousine was company's most luxurious model and cost £700 (cheapest 1938/39 Austin was Seven Two-seater at £108). The 27·75 HP six-cylinder engine had an aluminum cylinder head and developed 90 bhp. Cubic capacity was 4016 cc, wheelbase 11 ft 4 in, tire size 6·50-17. Glass partition, folding occasional seats and electric telephone were included in the standard specification.
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Bentley 4½-liter Sports Tourer |
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Also see: Bentley Car Reviews | The History of Bentley |
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The Bentley 4½-liter Sports Tourer, a full four-seater shown here with windscreen folded and tonneau cover fitted. This was one of various bodystyles available and cost £1485. The chassis was priced at £1150 and had a wheelbase of 10ft 6 in.
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Bentley 4½-liter Sports Tourer |
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Also see: Bentley Car Reviews | The History of Bentley |
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The Bentley 4½-liter engine had 88·9 mm bore x 114·3 mm stroke, giving a swept volume of 4257 cc. Treasury rating was 29-4 HP, actual bhp figure was not disclosed. The 4½-liter engine was first offered in 1937, alongside the 3½-liter. From 1938 only the 4½-liter was available.
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Daimler EL24 / Twenty Four |
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Also see: Daimler Car Reviews | The History of Daimler (AUS Edition) |
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The Daimler EL24 or Twenty Four was one of the Daimler company's three six-cylinder models. The others were the Fifteen 2½ liter and Twenty. Engine cubic capacities were 3317cc, 2522cc and 2565cc respectively. There were also two eight-cylinder models, namely the 4-liter Straight Eight (3960 cc) and the Straight Eight (4624cc).
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Daimler Twenty Four Limousine |
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Also see: Daimler Car Reviews | The History of Daimler (AUS Edition) |
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The Daimler Twenty Four Limousine as used by the Royal Air Force as AOC (Air Officer Commanding) car. The six-cylinder OHV engine developed 75 bhp at 3600 rpm and was rated at 23·81 HP. Like all other Daimler models it featured Fluid Flywheel with pre-selective epicyclic four-speed gearbox and worm-drive rear axle. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs, front and rear. Brakes were Girling mechanical with Clayton Dewandre vacuum servo assistance. Wheelbase 10ft 4 in. Tyre size 6·50-17.
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Ford 1939 Model Range |
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Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford |
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The Ford Motor Company Ltd of Dagenham offered four series of cars, namely the Eight, Model 7Y (later in the year superseded by the Anglia, Model E04A), the restyled 10 HP Prefect, Model E93A, the 22 HP V8, Model 62 (continued from 1938) and the American type 30 HP V8, Model 91 A. This advertisement of July, 1939, shows the 7Y, E93A and 91A models.
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Ford Prefect 10 HP Model E93A |
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Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford |
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The Ford Prefect 10 HP, Model E93A, had a redesigned front end and some detail modifications, otherwise was much like the preceding Ten Model 7W (1937 -38). Engine was the well-known 1172-cc (63·5 x 92·5 mm) side-valve Four, with three-speed gearbox. Wheelbase was 7 ft 10in, tire size 4·50-17.
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Ford V8 30 HP Model 91 A Four-door Saloon |
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Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford |
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The Ford V8 30 HP, Model 91 A Four-door Saloon was similar to its North American counterpart, the 91 A-73 Fordor Sedan. In fact, it was an RHD assembled product using components imported from Canada. It was the first Ford car to have hydraulic brakes.
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Hillman Fourteen Four |
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Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition) |
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The Hillman Fourteen Four was the only other Hillman model produced besides the Minx; the Sixes had disappeared in favour of the Humber Sixteen and Snipe. Car shown was in service with the Admiralty (Royal Navy). During the early days of World War 2 it was fitted, as shown, with roof protection against shrapnel. Note also the white paint markings all around the car. This was obligatory during the blackout period.
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Hillman Minx |
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Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition) |
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The 1939 Hillman Minx featured some minor styling changes. The 1184·5cc side-valve Four engine was retained. but a redesigned gearbox with synchromesh on second, third and top gear was introduced. A clock was incorporated in the large-diameter centrally-mounted speedometer unit. The basic Saloon cost £163.
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Humber Sixteen, Snipe and Super Snipe |
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Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition) |
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The Humber Sixteen, Snipe and Super Snipe for 1939 were all similar in appearance. All had 9 ft 6 in wheelbase and 6·00-16 tires. Main difference was under the bonnet where the six-cylinder side-valve engines were of 2576.5, 3180·9 and 4085·7cc cubic capacity. AIl had 120-mm stroke, bore being 67·5, 75 and 85 mm respectively.
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Humber Military Super Snipe |
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Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition) |
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Humber started military (Super) Snipe Mk 2 production in the Summer of 1939. Shown is a Utility vehicle as supplied to the War Office. It had large (9·00-13) tires, wire mesh type radiator grille and other military modifications. Other body styles on the same chassis included the Staff Saloon, Open Tourer, 8-cwt Truck, Light Reconnaissance Car, etc. In War Office nomenclature the word 'Super' was usually omitted from the vehicle model designation although all had the 85-mm bore engine.
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Kubelwagen Type 82 |
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Also see: Volkswagen Car Reviews | The History of Volkswagen |
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The military took delivery of its first Type 82 Kübelwagen vehicles in December of 1939 and immediately put them to the test on and off-road in snow and ice to test their capability at handling European winters; several four-wheel-drive vehicles were used as reference points. The Kübelwagen surprised even those who had been a part of its development, as it handily out-performed the other vehicles in nearly every test. In November of 1943, the American military conducted a series of tests as well on several Type 82's they had captured in North Africa; they concluded that the vehicle was simpler, easier to manufacture and maintain, faster, and more comfortable for four passengers than the American Jeeps. |
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Lagonda Saloon de Ville |
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Also see: The History of Lagonda |
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The Lagonda Saloon de Ville was available with V-12-cylinder engine and 11 ft wheelbase or six-cylinder engine and 11 ft 3½ in wheelbase. This choice of engine applied to all 1939 Lagonda models, including a new Saloon and Rapide Coupe, except for the 11 ft 6 in wheelbase Limousine by Thrupp & Maberly, which was only available with the V12. The V12 was an OHC 4480-cc (75 x 84·5 mm) unit with the two six-cylinder banks set at 60°. It developed 180 bhp at 5500 rpm. |
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Lanchester Eleven Sports and Six-light Saloon |
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Also see: The History of Lanchester |
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The Lanchester Eleven Sports and Six-light Saloon sold at £295 and £298 respectively. The chassis, which had a wheelbase of 8 ft 6½ in, cost £220. The four-cylinder engine had a capacity of 1444 cc (66 x 105-4 mm) and was rated at 10·82 HP. Transmission was by Daimler Fluid Flywheel with pre-selective self-change four-speed gearbox (this transmission was licensed under Vulcan-Sinclair and Daimler Patents). Other 1939 Lanchesters were the Fourteen and Eighteen, both six-cylinders.
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Lea-Francis Four-light Saloon and Six-light Saloon |
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Also see: The History of Lea-Francis |
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The Lea-Francis Four-light Saloon and Six-light Saloon both cost £395. A Orophead Cou pe was available at £410. All had 9 ft 3 in wheelbase. Either a 12 or 14 HP engine could be ordered. They were four-cylinder Twin-OHC units of 1496-cc and 1629-cc capacity. Both had 100-mm bore, but stroke was 69 and 72 mm respectively.
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MG 2·6-liter WA |
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Also see: MG Car Reviews | The MG Story |
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The MG 2·6-liter WA range was introduced in late 1938, and supplemented the existing Midget. 1½ and 2-liter models. It was, in fact. based on the 2-liter SA (1936-39) but had a wider body and a 2561-cc (vs 2322-cc) OHV six-cylinder engine which developed 100 bhp at 4400 rpm. Some 370 were produced, with Saloon and Tickford Folding Head Foursome bodywork, although a Charlesworth Tourer was advertised also. |
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Morgan Model 4/4 |
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Also see: Morgan Car Reviews | The History of Morgan |
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The Morgan 4/4 had for some years been powered by a Coventry-Climax 1122-cc four-cylinder F-head engine, but in mid-1939 a new 1267-cc unit was announced. It was a 38.8-bhp OHV Four, specially made by the Standard Motor Co. This engine was continued after the war until 1950. Gearbox was four-speed, wheelbase 7 ft 8 in, tire size 4·50-17. Pictured left is the Two-seater model. Morgan three-wheelers had Ford Eight and Ten engines, or 990-cc V-twin, with three-speed gearbox. |
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Morgan Model 4/4 Four-seater Tourer |
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Also see: Morgan Car Reviews | The History of Morgan |
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The Morgan 4/4 Four-seater Tourer was basically similar to the Two-seater but the body was somewhat longer and only one spare wheel was carried instead of two as on the Two-seater and the Orophead Coupe. |
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Morris 1939 Model Range |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | The History of Morris (AUS Edition) |
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The Morris 1939 line-up. From right to left are the new Eight and Ten and the Series III Twelve-Four, Fourteen-Six and Twenty-five Six, which were carryovers from 1938. In the foreground is Major Gardner's MG record breaker in which he achieved over 200 mph. Reid Railton had designed the highly efficient aero-dynamic bodywork. |
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Morris Eight Series E |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | Morris Production Details 1939/1950 |
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The Morris Eight Series E had an entirely new frontal appearance. The engine was an improved edition of the previous Series II 918-cc side-valve Four, but the three-speed gearbox was replaced by a four-speed. Wheelbase was one inch shorter. at 7 ft 5 in. |
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Morris Eight Series E Tourer |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | Morris Production Details 1939/1950 |
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The Morris Eight, Series E, in Australia. This Series comprised a Two-seater, a Tourer (shown), a Two-door and a Four-door Saloon. The saloons could be ordered with sliding roof at extra cost. |
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Morris Ten-Four Series M
Saloon |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | Morris Production Details 1939/1950 |
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The Morris Ten-Four Series M. Saloon cost £175, had an 1140-cc OHV four-cylinder engine rated at 9·99 HP, a four-speed gearbox and Lockheed hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase was 7 ft 10in. tire size 5·00-16. Sliding roof was optional. |
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Riley Twelve Model 29S Saloon |
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Also see: Riley Car Reviews | The History of Riley |
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The Riley Twelve Model 29S Saloon had a four-cylinder 1496cc (69 x 100 mm) OHV engine, four-speed gearbox and 9ft wheelbase. It featured several styling modifications. A drophead coupe. Model 29D was also available. Other 1939 Rileys were of the 16 HP type (saloon and drop head coupe). |
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Rolls-Royce Wraith 25/30 and Phantom III 40/50 |
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Also see: Rolls-Royce Car Reviews | The History of Rolls-Royce |
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RolIs-Royce offered Wraith 25/30 six-cylinder and Phantom 111 40/50 V-12-cylinder chassis with wheelbase lengths of 11 ft 4 in and 11 ft 10 in respectively. The chassis cost £1100 and £1900. Shown is a Brougham de Ville by Park Ward. |
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Rover Twelve Sports Saloon |
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Also see: Rover Car Reviews | The History of Rover (AUS Edition) |
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The Rover Twelve four-cylinder 11·9 HP Sports Saloon. Other models offered in 1939 were the Ten, Fourteen, Sixteen and Twenty. The latter three had six-cylinder engines. Saloon prices ranged from £275 (Ten) up to £425 (Twenty). The Twelve shown had 9 ft 4 in wheelbase, 5·25-17 tires and a 1496-cc (69 x 100 mm) engine. |
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Singer Nine Roadster |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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The Singer Nine Roadster was an attractive little sports car and had a 1074cc (60 x 95 mm) four-cylinder power unit, rated at 8·93 HP, with three-speed gearbox. Wheelbase was 7 ft 7 in, tire size 5·00-16. Other 1939 Singers were the Ten and Twelve models with 9·84 HP 1185cc and 11.47 HP 1525cc engine respectively and four-speed gearboxes. |
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Singer Nine Roadster |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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The Singer Nine Roadster frequently appeared in sporting events. Picture shows L. Cade and R. Bicknell during the 1939 RAC Rally, negotiating a steep incline at Hastings. |
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Skoda Rapid |
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Also see: Skoda Car Reviews | The History of Skoda (AUS Edition) |
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The Skoda Rapid was originally introduced in 1934 as a 1165 cc 26 hp 420 Rapid smaller version of the six-cylinder, 2941cc 55 hp Superb. In 1936 the Rapid was given a 1766cc, 31 hp unit and the Superb a 2703 cc, 60 hp unit and the Favorit was introduced with a 1802cc, 38 hp, four-cylinder engine. |
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SS Jaguar 100 |
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Also see: Jaguar Car Reviews | The History of Swallow Sidecars |
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The SS Jaguar Drophead Coupe was available on 3½, 2½ and 1½ liter chassis at £465, £415 and £318 respectively. The 1½ liter had 9 ft 4½ in wheelbase, 5·25-18 tires and 1775·8-cc four-cylinder engine, the larger models had 10ft wheelbase, 5·50-18 tires and six-cylinder engines of 3485·5- and 2663·7-cc cubic capacity. Four-door saloons were also available on these three chassis. The 100 Le Mans type Two-seater was available only with 3½ and 2½ liter engine, at £445 and £395 respectively. |
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Standard Flying Eight Tourer |
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Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard |
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The Standard Flying Eight Tourer was introduced in October 1938, and was smallest of the company's range and had a 31-bhp 1021-cc (57 x 100 mm) side-valve Four engine with three-speed gearbox. Model shown cost £125. Saloon was only slightly more expensive. They featured independent front suspension with single transverse leaf spring. Wheelbase was 6 ft 11 in. |
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Standard Flying Ten Super Four-door Saloon |
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Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard |
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The Standard Flying Ten Super Four-door Saloon had a 1267cc (63.5 x 100 mm) Four engine, four speeds and 7 ft 6 in wheelbase. Note the extended luggage boot. |
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Standard Flying Fourteen Touring Saloon |
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Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard |
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The Standard Flying Fourteen Touring Saloon. The 1939 model range was announced in July 1938. Saloon prices ranged from £129 (8HP) up to £325 (20 HP). The 14 HP shown cost £268 and had 9 ft wheellbase. |
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Sunbeam-Talbot Ten Sports Tourers |
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Also see: Sunbeam Car Reviews | The History of Sunbeam |
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The Sunbeam-Talbot Ten Sports Tourers were evidently popular with police forces. This batch was taken into service in Lancashire in mid-1939. They had a 9·8 HP 41-bhp 1185-cc four-cylinder side-valve engine (a tuned variant of the Hillman Minx), 7 ft 9 in wheelbase and 5·25-16 tires. |
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Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 liter |
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Also see: Sunbeam Car Reviews | The History of Sunbeam |
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The Sunbeam-Talbot Ltd (formerly Clement Talbot Ltd) Motor Works at Barlby Road. Ladbroke Grove, London W10 turned out Ten 3 liter and 4 liter models. New cars are seen here receiving the finishing touch before delivery. |
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Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 liter |
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Also see: Sunbeam Car Reviews | The History of Sunbeam |
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The Sunbeam-Talbot 4-liter chassis with Thrupp & Maberly coachwork at the Earls Court Motor Show. This car was priced at £630 and had a 4086-cc (80 xl 20 mm) six-cylinder engine, rated at 26·88 HP. The chassis cost £350. The 3-liter chassis, at £310, was similar but had 75-mm bore engine, giving 3181 cc. 20·9 HP. Both had 9 ft 10in wheelbase and 6·25-16 tire size. Standard saloons cost £455 and £415 respectively. |
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Triumph Dolomite 14/65 Fixed-Head Roadster Coupe |
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Also see: Triumph Car Reviews | The History of Triumph |
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Triumph Dolomite 14/65 Fixed-Head Roadster Coupe (of which only two were made) cost £395 and had pleasing lines The engine was a 1767cc Four of 13·95 HP treasury rating. Wheelbase was 9 ft. tire size 5·00-17. The Drophead version was a consistent winner in coachwork competitions. |
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Vauxhall Ten Series H |
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Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews |
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The Vauxhall Ten Series H, dwarfed by a Churchill tank of which Vauxhall Motors supplied large numbers during the Second World War. The Ten was produced during 1937-40 and 1946-47. It had a 1203-cc (63·5 x 95 mm) OHV Four engine. three-speed gearbox, 7 ft 10in wheelbase and 5·00-16 tires. |
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Vauxhall Twelve Series I |
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Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews |
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The Vauxhall Twelve Series I was a 12 HP six-light variant of the Ten. It had a longer body and wheelbase (8 ft 51 in). 5·25-16 tires and a larger-bore engine (69·5 x 95 mm. 1442 cc). After the war this model used the same bodyshell as the Ten (Model HIX 1946-48). |
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Vauxhall Fourteen Six |
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Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews |
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The Vauxhall Fourteen Six, Series J, looked like Twelve, Series I, but was slightly larger with a wheelbase of 8 ft 9 in, 5.50-16 tires and built-out boot Its 1781-cc (61·5 x 100 mm) six-cylinder OHV engine was good for 30 mpg and 70 mph. It was produced during 1939-40 and again during 1946-48. The Vauxhall 25 HP models (see 1938) were not continued after 1939. |
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Volkswagen Beetle |
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Also see: Volkswagen Car Reviews | The History of Volkswagen |
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Deliberately designed to be as simple as possible mechanically, there was very little that could go wrong; the radiator-less air-cooled 985 cm 25 hp (19 kW) motors would soon see war service, and prove to be especially effective in action in North Africa's desert heat. A handful of civilian-spec Beetles were produced, primarily for the Nazi elite, in the years 1940-1945, but production figures were small. In response to gasoline shortages, a few wartime "Holzbrenner" Beetles were steam-powered with wood burning boilers under the hood. Much of the Beetle's design was inspired by the advanced Tatra cars of Hans Ledwinka. Tatra sued, but the lawsuit was stopped when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. The matter was re-opened after WW2 and in 1961 Volkswagen paid Tatra 3,000,000 Deutsche Marks. |
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Wolseley Super Six Drop Head Coupe |
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Also see: Wolseley Car Reviews | The History of Wolseley (AUS Edition) |
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The Wolseley six-cylinder models, Series III, all had OHV engines, ranging from 14 to 25 HP. Shown from left to right are the 14/60 Saloon (£285), 18/85 Saloon (£325), 25 Super Six Drop-head Coupe (£498) and the top-line 25 Super Six Limousine (£775). Wheelbase of the latter was 11 ft 9 in. |
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1939 BMW 335, which was fitted with a 3.5 liter 6 cylinder engine. The timing was all wrong, and with the outbreak of war, production was suspended and only a few examples left the factory. |
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