British and European Car Spotters Guide - 1939

Send This Page To A Friend
Fade To White
1939 British and European Car Spotters Guide


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'.
Fade To White
1939
UK

AC 16/80 Sports Four-seater Tourer

  Also see: AC Road Tests and Reviews | AC Cars Brochures
 
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, tyre size 5,00-19.
Fade To White
1939 Alvis 4·3 Litre Drophead Coupe
UK

Alvis 4·3 Litre Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Alvis Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Alvis 4·3 Litre 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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Alvis 4·3 Litre Standard Four-Door Saloon

  Also see: Alvis Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Alvis 4·3-Litre 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.
Fade To White
1939 Armstrong Siddeley 16 HP Saloon
UK

Armstrong Siddeley 16 HP Saloon

   
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Austin Norfolk Saloon

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Austin Sixteen
UK

Austin Sixteen

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
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."
Fade To White
1939 Austin Ascot Cabriolet
UK

Austin Ascot Cabriolet

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Austin Twenty-Eight Ranelagh Limousine
UK

Austin Twenty-Eight Ranelagh Limousine

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 aluminium cylinder head and developed 90 bhp. Cubic capacity was 4016 cc, wheelbase 11 ft 4 in, tyre size 6·50-17. Glass partition, folding occasional seats and electric telephone were included in the standard specification.
Fade To White
1934 AC Acedes 2 Litre 16/56 16/66
UK

Bentley 4½-Litre Sports Tourer

  Also see: Bentley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Bentley 4½-Litre 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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Bentley 4½-Litre Sports Tourer

  Also see: Bentley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Bentley 4½-Litre 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-Litre engine was first offered in 1937, alongside the 3½-Litre. From 1938 only the 4½-Litre was available.
Fade To White
1939 Daimler EL24 / Twenty Four
UK

Daimler EL24 / Twenty Four

  Also see: Daimler Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Daimler EL24 or Twenty Four was one of the Daimler company's three six-cylinder models. The others were the Fifteen 2½ Litre and Twenty. Engine cubic capacities were 3317, 2522 and 2565 cc respectively. There were also two eight-cylinder models, namely the 4-Litre Straight Eight (3960 cc) and the Straight Eight (4624 cc).
Fade To White
1937
UK

Daimler Twenty Four Limousine

  Also see: Daimler Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1934 AC Acedes 2 Litre 16/56 16/66
UK

Ford 1939 Model Range

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Ford Prefect 10 HP Model E93A
UK

Ford Prefect 10 HP Model E93A

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
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, tyre size 4·50-17.
Fade To White
1937
Canada

Ford V8 30 HP Model 91 A Four-door Saloon

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Hillman Fourteen Four
UK

Hillman Fourteen Four

  Also see: Hillman Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Hillman Minx

  Also see: Hillman Road Tests and Reviews
 
The 1939 Hillman Minx featured some minor styling changes. The 1184·5-cc 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.
Fade To White
1939 Hillman Minx
UK

Hillman Minx

  Also see: Hillman Road Tests and Reviews
 
Hillman Minx Saloon of Mr W M. Couper (right) who won his class with it in the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Humber Sixteen, Snipe and Super Snipe

  Also see: Humber Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres. Main difference was under the bonnet where the six-cylinder side-valve engines were of 2576.5, 3180·9 and 4085·7-cc cubic capacity. AIl had 120-mm stroke, bore being 67·5, 75 and 85 mm respectively.
Fade To White
1939 Humber Military Super Snipe
UK

Humber Military Super Snipe

  Also see: Humber Road Tests and Reviews
 
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) tyres, 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.
Fade To White
1939 Humber Pullman
UK

Humber Pullman

  Also see: Humber Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Humber Pullman had same 4085·7-cc six-cylinder engine as Super Snipe and Imperial but 11 ft wheelbase. Pictured left is a Limousine by Thrupp & Maberly.
Fade To White
1939 Kubelwagen Type 62
Nazi Germany

Kubelwagen Type 82

  Also see: Volkswagen Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Lagonda Saloon de Ville
UK

Lagonda Saloon de Ville

  Also see: Lost Marques - Lagonda
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Lanchester Eleven Sports and Six-light Saloon

   
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Lea-Francis Four-light Saloon and Six-light Saloon
UK

Lea-Francis Four-light Saloon and Six-light Saloon

   
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

MG 2·6-Litre WA

  Also see: MG Car Reviews and The MG Story
 
The MG 2·6-Litre WA range was introduced in late 1938, and supplemented the existing Midget. 1½ and 2-Litre models. It was, in fact. based on the 2-Litre 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.
Fade To White
1939 Morgan Model 4/4
UK

Morgan Model 4/4

  Also see: Morgan Car Reviews and Morgan Heritage
 
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, tyre 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.
Fade To White
1939 Morgan Model 4/4 Four-seater Tourer
UK

Morgan Model 4/4 Four-seater Tourer

  Also see: Morgan Car Reviews and Morgan Heritage
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Morris 1939 Model Range

  Also see: Morris Car Reviews and World Land Speed Records
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Morris Eight Series E
UK

Morris Eight Series E

  Also see: Morris Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Morris Eight Series E Tourer
UK

Morris Eight Series E Tourer

  Also see: Morris Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Morris Ten-Four Series M. Saloon

  Also see: Morris Road Tests and Reviews
 
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. tyre size 5·00-16. Sliding roof was optional.
Fade To White
1939 Riley Twelve Model 29S Saloon
UK

Riley Twelve Model 29S Saloon

  Also see: Riley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Riley Twelve Model 29S Saloon had a four-cylinder 1496-cc (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).
Fade To White
1934 AC Acedes 2 Litre 16/56 16/66
UK

Rolls-Royce Wraith 25/30 and Phantom 111 40/50

  Also see: Rolls-Royce Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1937
UK

Rover Twelve Sports Saloon

  Also see: Rover Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres and a 1496-cc (69 x 100 mm) engine.
Fade To White
1939 Singer Nine Roadster
UK

Singer Nine Roadster

  Also see: Singer Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Singer Nine Roadster was an attractive little sports car and had a 1074-cc (60 x 95 mm) four-cylinder power unit, rated at 8·93 HP, with three-speed gearbox. Wheelbase was 7 ft 7 in, tyre size 5·00-16. Other 1939 Singers were the Ten and Twelve models with 9·84 HP 1185-cc and 11.47 HP 1525-cc engine respectively and four-speed gearboxes.
Fade To White
1939 Singer Nine Roadster
UK

Singer Nine Roadster

  Also see: Singer Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Skoda Rapid
Czechoslovakia

Skoda Rapid

  Also see: Skoda Road Tests and Reviews
  Page Under Construction
Fade To White
1937 SS Jaguar 100
UK

SS Jaguar 100

  Also see: Jaguar Car Reviews and History - Swallow Sidecars
 
The SS Jaguar Drophead Coupe was available on 3½, 2½ and 1½ Litre chassis at £465, £415 and £318 respectively. The 1½ Litre had 9 ft 4½ in wheelbase, 5·25-18 tyres and 1775·8-cc four-cylinder engine, the larger models had 10ft wheelbase, 5·50-18 tyres 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 Litre engine, at £445 and £395 respectively.
Fade To White
1939 Standard Flying Eight Tourer
UK

Standard Flying Eight Tourer

  Also see: Standard Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Standard Flying Ten Super Four-door Saloon
UK

Standard Flying Ten Super Four-door Saloon

  Also see: Standard Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Standard Flying Ten Super Four-door Saloon had a 1267-cc (63.5 x 100 mm) Four engine, four speeds and 7 ft 6 in wheelbase. Note the extended luggage boot.
Fade To White
1939 Standard Flying Fourteen Touring Saloon
UK

Standard Flying Fourteen Touring Saloon

  Also see: Standard Road Tests and Reviews
 
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.
Fade To White
1939 Sunbeam-Talbot Ten Sports Tourers
UK

Sunbeam-Talbot Ten Sports Tourers

  Also see: Sunbeam Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres.
Fade To White
1939 Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 Litre
UK

Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 Litre

  Also see: Sunbeam Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Sunbeam-Talbot Ltd (formerly Clement Talbot Ltd) Motor Works at Barlby Road. Ladbroke Grove, London W10 turned out Ten 3 Litre and 4 Litre models. New cars are seen here receiving the finishing touch before delivery.
Fade To White
1939 Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 Litre
UK

Sunbeam-Talbot Ten 3 and 4 Litre

  Also see: Sunbeam Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Sunbeam-Talbot 4-Litre 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-Litre 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 tyre size. Standard saloons cost £455 and £415 respectively.
Fade To White
1939 Triumph Dolomite 14/65 Fixed-Head Roadster Coupe
UK

Triumph Dolomite 14/65 Fixed-Head Roadster Coupe

  Also see: Triumph Car Reviews and Lost Marques - Triumph
 
Triumph Dolomite 14/65 Fixed-Head Roadster Coupe (of which only two were made) cost £395 and had pleasing lines The engine was a 1767 -cc Four of 13·95 HP treasury rating. Wheelbase was 9 ft. tyre size 5·00-17. The Drophead version was a consistent winner in coachwork competitions.
Fade To White
1937 Vauxhall Ten Series H
UK

Vauxhall Ten Series H

  Also see: Vauxhall Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres.
Fade To White
1939 Vauxhall Twelve Series I
UK

Vauxhall Twelve Series I

  Also see: Vauxhall Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres 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).
Fade To White
1937 Vauxhall Fourteen Six
UK

Vauxhall Fourteen Six

  Also see: Vauxhall Road Tests and Reviews
 
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 tyres 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.
Fade To White
1939 Volkswagen Beetle
Nazi Germany

Volkswagen Beetle

  Also see: Volkswagen Road Tests and Reviews
 

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.

Fade To White
1939 Wolseley Ten Series Ill
UK

Wolseley Ten Series Ill

  Also see: Wolseley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Wolseley Ten Series Ill was introduced early in 1939 and had a four-cylinder OHV engine, four-speed gearbox, 5·50-16 tyres and 7 ft 6 in wheelbase. It was re-introduced after the war.
Fade To White
1939 Wolseley Super Six Drop Head Coupe
UK

Wolseley Super Six Drop Head Coupe

  Also see: Wolseley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Wolseley six-cylinder models, Series Ill, 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.
1939 Allard 3.6 Litre V8 Sports
1939 Four Seater 3.6 Litre Allardd V8 Sports 4-Seater. Also see: Allard - Great pre-war British Sports Cars.
1939 Alta Supercharged 2 Litre Super Sports 2 Seater
1939 Alta Supercharged 2-Litre Super Sports Two-Seater. Also see: Alta - Great pre-war British Sports Cars.
Latest Classic Car Classifieds


Sell Your Car or Parts Browse the Classifieds It's Absolutely Free! - Find Out More