1927 Vauxhall R-Type 20/60 4-seat Tourer
Prior to Vauxhall's takeover by General Motors in 1925, the former
ironworks specialised in sports and luxury cars. After the Great War,
this policy caused financial difficulties in the more austere
post-conflict world. General Motors took control with £300,000
to invest in the business. They started building more mainstream
models to appeal to a bigger market.
However, the 20/60 R-Type of 1927 was still an impressive car in its
day. About 4228 were built from 1927 to 1929 and it was extremely
popular. In looks, there isn't much to distinguish this R-Type from
many of its contemporaries.
The interior of the R-Type is quite well-specified and good
engineering in places. It has a large gear lever that resembles more
like a crowbar while its gate, a conventional 4 speeder. This was
quite a luxury in its day. The gauges occupy an oval black plate in
the centre of the wooden dashboard. There is a speedometer, ammeter,
oil pressure gauge, glass barometer-type fuel indicator and a clock.
There is maroon leather upholstery which is pleasing to the eye.
On the left-hand side, the engine is rather an Art Dec style, a big
and daunting looking box with bright alloy plates on its side. This
is from which the 6 ignition leads emerge. On the right-hand side,
it's more formal, with the manifold and most of the ancillaries
collected together. Starting the R-Type is quite simple. There is a
switch on the dashboard followed by a press of the floor, mounted
starter. There is the expected lazy whirring before the big
6-cylinder engine stirs into life and runs well.
Despite R-Type's size, it feels quite light to drive. You will need
your full concentration for the pedals as they are rather akward. The
accelerator is located in the middle and the brake is on the right.
This car is a very nice example of a vintage Vauxhall.
Specifications of
1927 Vauxhall R-Type 20/60 4-seat Tourer:
Power-60bhp @ 4000rpm
Top Speed-65mph
0-60mph-very slow (N/A)
Fuel Consumption-20mpg
Gearbox-4-speed manual
|
