British and European Car Spotters Guide - 1930 |
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During the 1930 model year, ending in September, the British motor industry produced 236,528 motor vehicles, of which 169,669 were private cars and taxis. By September, the total number of cars in use was 1,177,872 including 102,791 which were registered as 'hackneys' (a hackney cariage is a vehicle which stands or plies for hire in the street, eg: a Taxi-Cab). During the 1930 calendar year 155,707 new cars were registered in just under 40 (horse power rating) classes. The highest number was the 8 HP class, namely 40,272.
Next were 12 HP with 24,805, 15 HP with 22,282, 16 HP with 17,701 and 10 HP with 11,190. All the others contained well under ten thousand. A total of just under 30,000 vehicles were exported, namely 23,209 cars and 6,770 commercial vehicles. Their combined value was about £6.7 million. Car imports numbered 9,751, valued at just over £1.5 million. |
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AC 16/56 Magna |
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Also see: AC Car Reviews | The History of AC (AUS Edition) |
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AC (Acedes) Cars Ltd. of Thames Ditton, Surrey, offered two chassis, namely the 16/40 Royal with 9 ft. 5 and a quarter inch wheelbase and the 16/56 Magna with 9 ft. 11 and a quarter inch wheelbase. The 16/56 Magna shown left is the Aceca Coupe Cabrolet based on the latter. It cost £475 and like the 16/40 had a 1991cc (65 x 100mm) six cylinder engine, rated at 15.7 HP. The AC was shod with 5.50 x 19 tires. |
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Alfa Romeo P2 Grand Prix Racer |
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Also see: Alfa Romeo Car Reviews | The History of Alfa Romeo |
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The Alfa Romeo P2 Grand Prix car was specially modified by the factory for the 1930 season. It would win the Targa Florio that year, in the hands of Achille Varzi, who broke the average speed record for the race. |
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Alfa Romeo Grand Sport |
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Also see: Alfa Romeo Car Reviews | The History of Alfa Romeo |
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1930 Alfa Romeo Grand Sport, which was produced with various single and twin-cam supercharged and normally aspirated froms during the 1920s and 1930s. A 1750cc version could manage 90 mph, which for the time was brilliant. |
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Alvis Straight Eight 1 ½ liter Front Wheel Drive Racer |
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Also see: Alvis Car Reviews | The History of Alvis |
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Alvis Straight-Eight 1½-liter Supercharged Front-Wheel Drive racer, photographed at Brooklands about 1931, although we believe this to be a 1930 model. The driver was Thomas Dowling and the passenger was the car's owner, Ernie Coleman. In the 1930 TT the Alvis team swept their class in first second and third position and only failed to beat the Alfa Romeo 1750s for outright victory. The FA 8/15 eight-cylinder engine had a cubic capacity of 1491cc (55 x 78·5 mm) and developed 95 bhp at 5500 rpm. It had an overhead camshaft two magnetos and a multi-plate clutch with four-speed gearbox ahead of the engine. |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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The Austin Seven was first introduced in 1922 and continued until 1939 with periodic changes and improvements. Throughout this timespan, during which over 1 million were sold, the engine remained basically the same: four-cylinder side-valve, 747·5cc (56 x 76 mm), RAC rating 7·8 HP. Pictured left is a 1930 Saloon model. |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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The 1930 Austin/Swallow Saloon consisted of the standard Austin Seven chassis with special bodywork produced by the Swallow Side Car & Coach Building Co. of Blackpool (later Jaguar Cars of Coventry). It's a little hard to see, but there is a V-shaped windscreen and slotted wheel stud holes. Swallow special coachwork was fitted also on other chassis, including Morris Cowley, Standard Big Nine, and Swift Ten. |
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Austin 16HP |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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For 1930 the Austin 16 HP six-cylinder was offered with new Open Road Five-Seater bodywork at £325. Wheelbase was 9 ft 4 in, engine 2249-cc (65·5 x 111 mm) 36-bhp side-valve, rated at 15,9 HP. |
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Austin Twenty |
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Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition) |
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Austin Twenty Ranelagh Enclosed Limousine was one of the Company's most expensive models, selling at £630 (£640 with sliding roof). Wheelbase was 11 ft 4 in. Chassis was also available with 10ft 10 in wheelbase. Car was powered by a 3400cc (79·5 x 114·5 mm) 49-bhp side-valve Six rated at 23·5 HP. |
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Bentley 4 ½ liter |
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Also see: Bentley Car Reviews | The History of Bentley |
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Bentley produced 4 ½ and 6 ½ liter chassis. Shown is the famous 4½-liter Supercharged model which had an OHC four-cylinder engine of 4398-cc capacity (100 x 140 mm). The supercharger, with twin SU carburetors, was fitted in front of the engine and radiator. Wheelbase was 10ft 10 in. tire size 6.00-21. |
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Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford |
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Ford Models A and AF were assembled at the company's Trafford Park, Manchester, factory from 1928 until 1931, following tens of thousands of Model Ts The Model A was virtually identical to the American parent car, differing mainly in having right-hand drive. The engine was a 3285-cc (98·4 x 108 mm) side-valve Four, rated at 24 HP. For those customers who wanted more economy, including lower HP tax rating, there was the 14·9 HP Model AF which had 77·6-mm bore but was otherwise similar. The AF had a cubic capacity of 2043cc. Actual power output of the two engines was 40 bhp at 2200 rpm and 28 at 2600 respectively. Both cars had three-speed gearbox. 8 ft 7½ in wheelbase. 4.75-19 tires on wire wheels and a transversal leaf spring for each axle. |
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Hillman Straight 8 |
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Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition) |
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Hillman Straight 8 was new for 1930 and was powered by a 2620-cc (63 x 105 mm) 52·5-bhp eight-cylinder in-line engine. Shown with the new car are Major Sir Henry Segrave, world land speed record holder. and Captain Irving, then Technical Director of the Hillman-Humber-Commer Combine (later known as Rootes Group). |
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Humber Pullman |
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Also see: Humber Car Reviews | The History of Humber |
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Humber top-line Pullman range was available with Limousine. Landaulette and Cabriolet De Ville bodywork. The latter sold at £1095, the other two at £775. The chassis was available at £495. Pictured left is a Pullman Landaulette. The 3·5- liter six-cylinder engine developed 72 bhp and was rated at 23·8 HP. |
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Invicta 4 ½ liter Standard |
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Also see: The History of Invicta |
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Invicta 4½-liter Standard Model had 1OO-bhp 29·1 HP six-cylinder OHV engine of 4467-cc cubic capacity (88·5 x 120·6 mm) with twin SU carburetors. Wheelbase was 10ft 6 in. The Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels had 31 x 6 tires. Standard chassis sold at £680, with saloon bodywork £795. Invicta Cars had their works at The Fairmile, Cobham, Surrey. |
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Invicta 4 ½ liter Sports |
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Also see: The History of Invicta |
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Invicta 4½ liter Sports Model was basically similar to the Standard Model, modified mainly in respect of height. The chassis was upswept at the front and underslung at the rear, with a wheelbase of 9 ft 10in. Radiator and dashboard were modified to suit. Other modifications included different springs, gear ratios, etc. |
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Jowett 7HP |
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Also see: Jowett Car Reviews | The History of Jowett |
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Jowett supplied rugged little tourers, vans and other types, which were powered by a water-cooled horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder engine. This engine was in production for over 40 years, from 1910/11. Pictured left is one of a fleet of special four-seater Battery Staff Cars delivered around the beginning of the decade to a York firm of military vehicle fleet hirers. |
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Lagonda 3 liter Special |
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Also see: The History of Lagonda |
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Lagonda produced four-cylinder 14/60 and six-cylinder 16/65 and 3-liter models. |
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Lea-Francis 12/40 |
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Also see: The History of Lea-Francis |
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Lea-Francis 12/40 Type V with Weymann Sportsman's Coupe bodywork sold at £420 and sported two side-mounted spare wheels. Engine was a 1496-cc (69 x 100 mm) OHV Four, developing 38 bhp at 3800 rpm. |
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MG 18/80 |
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Also see: MG Car Reviews | The History of MG |
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MG 18/80 had an 80-bhp 2468cc (69 x 110 mm) six-cylinder OHC engine with twin SU carburetors. It was designed entirely by MG, rather than based on a modified Morris chassis like the Company's smaller models. Some 750 18/80s were built with various open and closed body styles Mk I models (from late 1928) had a three-speed gearbox, Mk II models (1929-32) had a four-speed gearbox, improved brakes, sturdier chassis, etc. |
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Morgan Super Sports Aero |
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Also see: Morgan Car Reviews | The History of Morgan |
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Morgan three-wheelers were available with 980-cc air-cooled and 1078- and 1096-cc water-cooled V-twin engines. All had 2-speed gearbox, shaft and chain final drive and 6-ft wheelbase. Prices ranged from £87 10s to £145. |
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Morris Cowley |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | The History of Morris (AUS Edition) |
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Morris Cowley was a popular rugged model with 1550cc (69.5 x 102 mm) four-cylinder engine rated at 11·9 HP. The spiral bevel rear axle was driven through a multiplate clutch with cork insets and a three-speed gearbox. tires were 4.40-27 on steel spoke wheels. Wheelbase was 8 ft 9 in. The chassis cost £130, prices of complete cars ranged from £162 to £200. Shown is a Drophead Coupe with dickey seat. |
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Morris Isis Six |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | The History of Morris (AUS Edition) |
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Morris Isis Six was top-line model with 17·7 HP 2468-cc (69 x 110 mm) 6-cylinder OHC engine Chassis price was £295, complete cars cost from £375 to £399. The wire wheels had 5.50-19 tires. Wheelbase was 9 ft 6 in. |
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Morris Minor |
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Also see: Morris Car Reviews | The History of Morris (AUS Edition) |
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Morris Minor was first made in 1929 with two-door Saloon and Tourer bodywork. From 1930 a 5-cwt van variant was available. The engine was an 847-cc (57 x 83 mm) OHC unit with three-speed gearbox. The same basic engine was used in the contemporary MG M-type Midget. |
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Rolls-Royce 20/25 HP with Four-Door Four-light Saloon body |
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Also see: Rolls-Royce Car Reviews | The History of Rolls-Royce |
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Rolls-Royce 20/25 HP with Four-door Four-light Saloon bodyywork by Arthur Mulliner Ltd. of Northampton. The 20/25 HP chassis had a wheelbase of 10ft 9 in and was priced at £1185. Engine was a 3680-cc (82 x 114 mm) OHV Six, rated at 25·3 HP. Tyre size was 6.50-19. Note the side lights, incorporated in the forward end of the wings. |
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Rolls-Royce Phantom II Belgian Van Den Plas |
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Also see: Rolls-Royce Car Reviews | The History of Rolls-Royce |
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Rolls- Royce Phantom II chassis with Belgian Van Den Plas bodywork. The Phantom II had 6.75-21 tires and a 7668-cc (107·95 x 140 mm) six-cylinder OHV engine, rated at 43·3 HP. |
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Rolls-Royce Phantom II chassis with Colonial Tourer Type coachwork |
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Also see: Rolls-Royce Car Reviews | The History of Rolls-Royce |
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Rolls-Royce Phantom II chassis with 'Colonial' tourer-type bodywork. The chassis prices were £1850 (SWB) and £1950 (LWB). |
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Rolls-Royce Phantom II Hooper Coachwork |
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Also see: Rolls-Royce Car Reviews | The History of Rolls-Royce |
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A Rolls-Royce Phantom II was used by Emperor Haile Selassie to head the state drive to church on Sundays. The coachwork was specially designed and made by Hooper and incorporated an extension seat for attendant Abyssinian warriors. |
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Rover Light Six |
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Also see: Rover Car Reviews | The History of Rover (AUS Edition) |
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Rover Light Six Saloon had six-light Weymann body on 8 ft 10 in wheelbase chassis with 15.7 HP six-cylinder OHV engine. Gearbox was three-speed, tire size 5.00-19. Other 1930 Rovers included 10/25, 2 liter and Meteor models. |
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Singer Junior |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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The Singer Junior Saloon sold for £160 in 1930. The Junior had an 848cc (56 x 86 mm) OHC four-cylinder engine of 7·78 hp and three-speed gearbox. |
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Singer Junior |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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Singer with a mascot. The St. Denys Sisters, well-known Music Hall artists, and their Singer Junior Sportsman's Coupe. This little 8 HP two-seater Coupe sold at £165 and was mechanically similar to the Junior Saloon except that the engine developed 19·6 bhp at 4000 rpm as compared with 16 at 3600. |
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Singer Porlock |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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Singer Porlock Two-Seater on original run of 100 consecutive climbs of Porlock Hill, North Devon, which gave the model its name. |
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Singer Super Six |
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Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer |
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Singer Super Six Coupe was one of the company's top-line models and cost £350. The Saloon on the same 9 ft 6 ½ in wheelbase chassis was sold at the same price. Engine was a 1920-cc (65'5 x 95 mm) 45-bhp OHV Six, rated at 15·91 HP. Singer also produced a smaller, 37 -bhp 1792-cc side-valve Six, rated at 15· 7 HP. |
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Standard 9 HP |
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Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard |
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Standard 9 HP chassis was available with several body types including the Teignmouth Fabric Saloon with sliding roof shown left. The basic saloon was known as Fulham (wb 8 ft 3 in and 7 ft 8 in resp.). Both had 4-cyl. 1287cc side-valve engine. Standard also offered 6-cyl. 2054-cc 15 HP models. |
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Sunbeam 25 HP |
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Also see: Sunbeam Car Reviews | The History of Sunbeam |
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Sunbeam 25 HP was one of four types offered by this famous manufacturer. The six-cylinder OHV engine measured 80 x 120 mm (3619cc) and developed 70 bhp. Treasury rating was 23·8 HP. The wheelbase was just over 11 ft 5 in, the tire size 6.00-21. The Rally Weymann Saloon with side-mounted spare wheels cost £1075 and was supplied only to special order. |
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Triumph 7 HP |
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Also see: Triumph Car Reviews | The History of Triumph |
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Triumph offered a wide range of body styles on the 7 HP Model K chassis. Shown is a 1930/31 Open Two-seater which sold at £167.1 Os It had an 832·24cc (56·5 x 83 mm) 7·9 HP side-valve Four engine, developing 18 bhp. A Supercharged Sports Two-seater was offered also, priced at £250. Triumphs were among the earliest British cars to have hydraulic brakes. |
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Trojan Tourer |
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Also see: The History of Trojan |
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Trojan was available in Saloon and Tourer (shown) form and had many unconventional features including a valveless two-stroke four-cylinder engine located beneath the front seats, open epicyclic two-speed gearbox, chain drive to a solid rear axle (no differential), and long cantilever leaf springs, to list a few. It was produced with only minor changes from the early 1920s until 1930/31. After that it was continued only with van bodywork, notably for Brooke Bonds, until the Second World War. In 1930 Trojan Ltd. introduced a rear-engined car which was in small-scale production until 1936. |
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Vauxhall Cadet |
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Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews |
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Vauxhall introduced their new Cadet with 2048-cc (67·5 x 95 mm) engine, rated at 16·9 HP. It supplemented the 2916-cc T and TL models. All had OHV Six engines. The Cadet had 8 ft 11 in wheelbase and 5.00-29 tires on wire wheels. |
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Wolseley Hornet |
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Also see: Wolseley Car Reviews | The History of Wolseley (AUS Edition) |
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The Wolseley Hornet was one of the first cheap British small six-cylinder engined cars. In a way it resembled the Morris Minor, with two extra 57 x 83 mm cylinders and bonnet to suit. Cubic capacity was 1271cc, RAC rating 12.08 HP. Example shown has Hoyal Coupe coachwork. |
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Hillman Fourteen and Straight 8 on display at the London Motor Show, 1930.
Hillman produced two types of cars. the 12·8 HP Fourteen and the 19·7 HP Straight 8. |
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