British and European Car Spotters Guide - 1954

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1954 British and European Car Spotters Guide


It was significant that of the record total British car output for the year little over 52% was allocated for the export market compared with the 75%-80% of the more critical post-war years. The unexpected rise in domestic car buying, unfortunately, merely accelerated another pressing problem-serious congestion on the already inadequate British roads. The number of new models introduced during the year continued to rise-a sure sign that the Government-encouraged policy of 'one model one make' during the post-war years had been forgotten -as indeed it had to be if the country were to compete successfully in the increasingly competitive world markets.

Ford reclaimed their 'cheapest car' title with the announcement of the Popular which sold at just £390 14s 2d-about 20% lower than its nearest competitor. Notable additions to the British model line-up included the AC Ace, Bristol 404, Jensen 541, MG lA Magnette, Riley Pathfinder and Triumph TR2. During the Calendar year the British Motor Industry turned out a total of 769,165 cars and 268,714 commercial vehicles. Export figures totalled 372,029 and 118,796 respectively (plus 145 and 1417 used units resp.). Imports rose to 4660 cars and 684 commercial vehicles (1953: 2067 and 49 resp.). New car registraations in 1954 amounted to 394,362, plus 5593 hackneys.
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1954 AC Ace
UK

AC Ace

  Also see: AC Road Tests and Reviews | AC Cars Brochures
 
The AC Ace, announced in October 1953, was a two-seater based on the successful sports and racing cars of designer/builder John Tojeiro. Powered by a tuned version of the 2-litre six-cylinder AC engine it was the first post-war British sports car with all-independent suspension (transverse leaf springs, front and rear). The attractive all-enveloping bodywork was of light-alloy mounted on a tubular steel frame. The fully-carpeted cockpit was well equipped and the hood (top) canvas and its separate frame could be stowed in the tail of the body when not in use. Centre-lock wire wheels were fitted as standard. By the time it went into full production in 1954 certain modifications had been incorporated, including high-mounted headlamps, a recessed raked-back grille and a stronger frame.
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1954
UK

Allard Coachbuilt Saloon

  Also see: Allard Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Allard Coachbuilt Saloon was a one-off two-door streamlined aluminium-panelled model built by E. D. Abbott of Farnham on the Palm Beach chassis It featured a curved windscreen, and headlamps and sidelamps mounted within a wide front air-intake.
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1954 Alvis TC 21/100 Grey Lady Saloon
UK

Alvis TC 21/100 Grey Lady Saloon

  Also see: Alvis Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Alvis TC 21/100 Grey Lady Saloon was a new model based on the standard Three Litre TC 21 ; differences included an increase in engine compression ratio (8·0:1 v. 7·0:1) and max. bhp (100 v. 93), higher rear axle ratio. bonnet-top scoops, bonnet-side louvres and wire wheels with knock-off hubs to give extra cooling for the brake drums. A Tickford-bodied Orophead Coupe was also available. The TC 21 was continued with restyled body features which it shared with the Grey Lady until October 1954, when it was discontinued.
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1954 Aston Martin DB2-4 Saloon and Drophead Coupe
UK

Aston Martin DB2-4 Saloon and Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Aston Martin Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Aston Martin DB2-4 Saloon and Drophead Coupe were fitted with the 1255bhp Vantage engine as standard (it had been optional on the superseded D82). Although the main mechanical features and the front and centre section of the chassis were basically the same as on the 082. the rear of the car was completely redesigned. In addition to having two additional (emergency) seats it had a large luggage platform accessible via a tailgate which was hinged above a greatly enlarged rear window. Later production models had a 3-litre (2922-cc) engine as standard. Wheelbase was 8 ft 3 in.
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1954 Austin A30 Model AS4 two-door Saloon
UK

Austin A30 Model AS4 two-door Saloon

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Austin A30 Model AS4 two-door Saloon joined the four-door Saloon in October 1953. Both models had a completely restyled interior (including redesigned fascia and parcel shelf. increased knee and headroom. wider front seats and improved trim) and an increase in luggage boot capacity.
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1954 Austin Champ Model WN1 ¼-ton 4 x 4 Field Car
UK

Austin Champ Model WN1 ¼-ton 4 x 4 Field Car

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Austin Champ Model WN1 ¼-ton 4 x 4 field car was produced In large numbers for the British Army and powered by a standardized Rolls-Royce B40 four-cylinder engine. During 1952-56 Austin also offered a civilian version (Model WN3), with their own A90 engine, civilian-style instrument panel and non-folding windscreen. Shown is one of the many military models which later found their way to Civvy Street.
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1954 Austin A40 Cambridge
UK

Austin A40 Cambridge

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Austin A40 Cambridge 2 Door
UK

Austin A40 Cambridge 2 Door

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Austin A55 Cambridge
UK

Austin A55 Cambridge

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Austin A90 Westminster
UK

Austin A90 Westminster

  Also see: Austin Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Austin Healey 100 4
UK

Austin Healey 100 4

  Also see: Austin Healey Road Tests and Reviews
 
Developed by Donald Healey the car was introduced at Earl's Court Motor Show in London in 1952 as the Healey 100. During the show however, Austin announced plans to manufacture the car and market it as the Austin Healey 100.
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1954 Austin Healey 100 4
UK

Austin Healey 100 4

  Also see: Austin Healey Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Austin Healey 100/4 was manufactured from 1953 to 1956. It was fitted with a 4-cylinder 90hp 2660cc Austin A90 engine. The 100/4 was superseded by the 100/6 in 1956. The new 2639 cc engine produced an impressive 102 hp.
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1954 Bentley R Type Sports Saloon
UK

Bentley R Type Sports Saloon

  Also see: Bentley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Bentley R Type Sports Saloon Version shown featured coachwork by E. D. Abbott of Farnham, in panelled aluminium over a strong ash frame mounted on a steel sub-frame. Unladen weight was approx. 36 cwt.
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1954 Bristol 404
UK

Bristol 404

  Also see: Bristol Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Bristol 404 Fixed Head Coupe model joined the 403 Saloon in the autumn of 1953. It was a handsome short-wheelbase two/four-seater (occasional small rear seats could be folded down to take extra luggage), powered by the 1971-cc engine with 8·5.1 compression ratio as standard and featuring a light-alloy panelled body on a wooden frame (the doors had aluminium frames). The tail-fin-like extensions on the rear wings were functional (for aerodynamic stability) and not merely decorative. The Bristol 403 and 404 were discontinued in October 1955.
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1954 Bristol Arnolt
UK

Bristol Arnolt

  Also see: Bristol Road Tests and Reviews
 
During the early 1950's, Arnolt realized a market for sports cars in the United States. Using a Bristol 400 chassis, modifications were named and the result was dubbed the 404. In 1954, the Arnolt Bristol was in production and featured Bertone supplied bodies. They featured hand-formed steel body and aluminium-skinned hoods. The similarities between the Shelby Cobra's and the 'Bolide' are undeniable. The 'Bolide' was a true racing bred sports car. Without a top, carpeting, windshield wipers, or adjustable seats, the car was void of amenities and very light-weight. A 'DeLux' option was available that included these items, different dashboard, and instruments in front of the driver. The suspension was comprised of independently sprung front wheels, wishbone arms and a transverse multi-leaf spring and anti-roll bar. The steering was rack-and-pinion. In 1955, an Arnolt Bristol finished first in class at the 12-Hours of Sebring. Two other Arnolts finished second and fourth. The racing team, owned by the Arnolt Company, went on to win its class at Sebring in 1956 and 1960. Privately owned Arnolt Bristols were frequently seen racing in SCCA E-Production classes. In total, only 142 Arnolt Bristols were created. Three were coupes, a few were powered by Chevrolet V8's, and a few were all-aluminium bodied cars.
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1954 Citroen 2CV
France

Citroen 2CV

  Also see: Citroen Road Tests and Reviews | Citroen Brochures
 
The Citroen 2CV was first introduced in France in 1949 and became available in the UK-Slough-built version-in October 1953. Described by some people as a latter-day equivalent of the Model T Ford, this novel and economical little car had an air-cooled flat-twin four-stroke 375-cc (later 425-cc) engine, driving the front wheels. all-independent yet interlinked suspension, a 'push and twist' gearchange and a four-speed gearbox with overdrive top. The body was of very light construction, with a fabric roof, four doors and four seats.
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1954 Daimler Conquest Series DJ Roadster and Drophead Coupe
UK

Daimler Conquest Series DJ Roadster and Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Daimler Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Daimler Conquest Series DJ Roadster and Drophead Coupe were introduced in October 1953 respectively. Both models were mechanically based on the Conquest Saloon, but incorporated certain differences including a twin-carburettor high-compression 100-bhp version of the 2·4-litre power unit larger brakes and a large diameter propeller shaft. The lightweight body construction was achieved by the use of aluminium-alloy framework. aluminium panelling and wings.
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1954 Daimler Conquest Century Series DJ Saloon
UK

Daimler Conquest Century Series DJ Saloon

  Also see: Daimler Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Daimler Conquest Century Series DJ Saloon was a high-performance version of the Conquest Saloon, mechanically similar to the Roadster and Coupe and distinguishable from the Conquest mainly by chrome-plated windscreen and rear-window frames, and deeper bumpers. All models featured Daimler's pre-selector fluid transmission, the control lever of which was mounted on the steering column, as shown.
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1954 Fiat 8V
Italy

Fiat 8V

  Also see: Fiat Road Tests and Reviews | Fiat Brochures
   
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1954 Ford Anglia 100E Saloon
UK

Ford Anglia 100E Saloon

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Ford Anglia 100E Saloon. Announced simultaneously with the Prefect, this two-door version was mechanically identical and used the same basic body shell. At the front it was distinguishable by the radiator grille which comprised three horizontal silver-painted bars. Less comprehensively equipped than the four-door Prefect it weighed about ½ cwt less. Also available was the Popular which had a similar body to the old Anglia but was powered by the old Prefect engine (previously used for export Anglias).
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1954 Ford Prefect Model 100E
UK

Ford Prefect Model 100E

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Ford Prefect Model 100E four-door Saloon. Introduced in October 1953 and powered by a new side-valve 1172-cc 36-bhp engine it had low full-width body styling with a vertically-slatted chrome grille. The front wings and the lower part of each rear wing were separate parts bolted to the main body shell-a useful asset in accident repair work. The new independent front suspension was evolved from that of the Consul and Zephyr; conventional leaf springs were fitted at the rear.
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1954 Ford Zephyr Six
UK

Ford Zephyr Six

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Ford Zephyr Six models for 1954 had a wing-type bonnet ornament, a flat front bumper centre section, flasher-type direction indicators and a few other changes.
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1954 Ford Zodiac Model EOTTA Saloon
UK

Ford Zodiac Model EOTTA Saloon

  Also see: Ford UK Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Ford Zodiac Model EOTTA Saloon was a high-performance luxury edition of the Zephyr Six Saloon, added to the range in October 1953. Officially billed as the Zephyr-Zodiac it featured a 71 -bhp engine with 7·5:1 compression ratio and was externally distinguishable by a two-tone colour scheme and white-wall tyres. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, fog and spot lamps, cigar lighter and clock.
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1954 Frazer-Nash Sebring Sports
UK

Frazer-Nash Sebring Sports

   
 
Developed from the Mark II Competition model, this model was powered by the 2-litre Bristol engine and had a light alloy all-enveloping body It took its name from the 12-hour endurance race at Sebring, USA. which had been won by Frazer-Nash in 1952 At the wheel in the version shown is W. H. Aldington who, together with his brother, took over control of production of the chain-drive Frazer-Nash in the late 'twenties'.
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1954 Hillman Minx Mark VII Saloon
UK

Hillman Minx Mark VII Saloon

  Also see: Hillman Reviews
 
The Hillman Minx Mark VII Saloon superseded the Mark VI and differed mainly in appearance: the rear wings were longer and carried more angular rear lamp clusters, the rear window was larger and the luggage capacity was increased as a result of the reshaped boot. The two-door Drophead Coupe version was similarly modified.
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1954
UK

Hillman Minx Mark VII Californian Hardtop

  Also see: Hillman Reviews
 
This attractive model featured modifications similar to those of the Minx Saloon. From October all Minx models, except the Special and Estate Car, were fitted with a 1390-cc OHV engine and redesignated Mark VIII.
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1949
UK

Humber Hawk Mark VI Saloon

  Also see: Humber Reviews
 
The Humber Hawk Mark VI Saloon was introduced in June 1954 this model had an OHV version of the 2267-cc engine with a 7·0:1 compression ratio, which increased its output to 70 bhp (preceding side-valve version produced 58 bhp). Other modifications included bigger brakes, better interior trim, raised rear wing line, larger rear lamp units and a chrome strip along the front wings. Shown is a brace of Hawks with owners Signor Bruscantini (left) and Mr lan Wallace-stars of the Glyndebourne Opera Company in Edinburgh in 1954.
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1949
UK

Humber Super Snipe Mark IV

  Also see: Humber Reviews
 

Super Snipe models were continued with only minor changes. Shown is an impressive custom-built estate car based on this chassis. The Super Snipe was discontinued in 1956. but was revived again in the late 1950s.
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1949
UK

Jaguar D-type (Series XKD) Sports/ Roadster

  Also see: Jaguar Car Reviews and Jaguar - A Racing Pedigree
 
This famous competition model came off the secret list in the spring of 1954, to replace the highly successful XK120C. The 3442-cc triple-carburettor power unit developed 250 bhp (some models had fuel injection) Shown are three of the 1954 Le Mans D-type entries ready to do battle on the track-No. 14 (Holt/Hamilton) came second behind a Ferrari. The D-type did not become available until the autumn of 1954-and then only to selected customers.
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1949
UK

Jensen 541

  Also see: Jensen Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Jensen 541 was an entirely new car with 4-litre engine which joined the Interceptor-continued with minor improvements - in the autumn of 1953. Apart from the engine/gearbox unit, the 541 was an entirely new design. The more compact arrangement of the chassis gave it a shorter wheelbase and reduced track. This distinctive 'close coupled saloon' featured a sleek, long, rounded body with a wide wrap-round window at the rear which gave exceptional visibility for the driver. The wide oval grille was fitted with a pivoted blanking-plate which was merely a radiator shutter. albeit a more attractive and effective one. The 541 did not in fact go into production until late 1954/early 1955, by which time its steel body had been dropped in favour of a glass-fibre-reinforced plastic version.
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1949
UK

Jowett Jupiter R4

   
 
The Jowett Jupiter R4 was revealed at the 1953 Earls Court show, by which time Javelin production had ceased owing to difficulties with the supply of body shells Although the overall design was totally different from the Type 1A. the power units used were very similar. The car had a broad squat two-seater body shell. with a wide oval grille. fitted to a deep box-section chassis frame. Only three cars were ever made. The R4 was the last car to bear the Jowett name. for production finally came to a halt in 1954.
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1949
UK

Lagonda Three Litre Series 1

  Also see: Lost Marques - Lagonda
 
The Lagonda Three Litre Series 1 was announced in October 1953, following the enthusiasm for the 2½-litre Tickford-bodied Coupe of the previous year. Longer and lower than the 2½-Litre model which it replaced, the Three Litre had a full-width body with the traditional Lagonda grille. Available initially in two-door Saloon and Drophead Coupe form-a four-door Tickford Saloon was introduced in October 1954. Production of the two-door Saloon ceased in late 1954 (Drophead Coupe in 1956). During 1956-1958 a Series 11 four-door Saloon was made.
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1949
UK

Lanchester Sprite I Saloon Prototype

   
 
Lanchester Sprite I Saloon, a prototype model-three were built and fitted with a 1·6-litre four-cylinder version of the Daimler Conquest engine coupled with a Hobbs automatic transmission. Although the first British light car ever to have a fully automatic transmission system, it was given a cool reception generally and did not go into production. Ironically, only ten of the Mark I1 version, which replaced it in 1955, were produced because Lanchester ceased operating later that year.
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1949
UK

Land-Rover Series I 86 Station Wagon

  Also see: Land Rover Reviews
 
The Land-Rover Series I 86 Station Wagon was introduced in April 1954 - there had been a Station Wagon available on the earlier 80-in wheelbase chassis during 1948-1951. The new wagon was a modification of the contemporary shorttwheelbase (86-in) Land-Rover Regular 4 x 4 multi-purpose vehicle, which had a 1997 -cc four-cylinder petrol engine. In August this engine was brought in line with that of the Rover 60 car (spread-bore cylinder block).
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1949
UK

Land-Rover Series I 86 Station Wagon

  Also see: Land Rover Reviews
 
The Land-Rover Series I 86 Station Wagon was introduced in April 1954 - there had been a Station Wagon available on the earlier 80-in wheelbase chassis during 1948-1951. The new wagon was a modification of the contemporary shorttwheelbase (86-in) Land-Rover Regular 4 x 4 multi-purpose vehicle, which had a 1997 -cc four-cylinder petrol engine. In August this engine was brought in line with that of the Rover 60 car (spread-bore cylinder block).
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1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 D
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

  Also see: Early Mercedes-Benz Reviews
   
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1949
UK

MG Magnette ZA

  Also see: MG Road Tests and Reviews | MG Brochures
 
The MG Magnette ZA superseded the Series Y saloon in October 1953. Powered by a 1½-litre 60-bhp BMC B-Series engine it had outward similarities to its BMC relative, the Wolseley 4/44 (see 46C), though it was lower and had a curved facsimile of the traditional MG radiator. It weathered initial criticism from MG purists and went on to become a very popular and sought-after-car. In late 1956 it was superseded in production by the slightly modified ZB standard and Varitone saloons. The latter had two-tone paintwork and a wrap-round rear window.
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1949
UK

MG Midget TF

  Also see: The MG Story
 
The MG Midget TF two-seater Sports was a replacement for the TD. Its detail changes included an improved lower bonnet line that sloped down to a tidier, raked-back radiator: the headlamps were faired into the front wing valances. Other improvements included a better top. individually adjustable seats and increased engine power.
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1954 MG TC
UK

MG TC

  Also see: MG Road Tests and Reviews | MG Brochures
   
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1949
UK

Morgan Plus Four

  Also see: Morgan Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Morgan Plus Four continued with modified front end treatmenttpartly cowled and curved grille and with the headlamps faired into the wing valances Also available in 1954, for the two-seater Sports only, was the TR2 (1991-cc) engine: this power unit did not become available on the Drophead Coupe and four-seater Tourer models until late 1955.
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1954 Morris Minor
UK

Morris Minor

  Also see: Morris Road Tests and Reviews
 
Morris Minor Series II Traveller. New variant with shooting-brake style bodywork. The ash body frame was panelled in aluminium - from the driving compartment back. The rear seat folded flat to give additional luggage space. The wheelbase size was the same as the other Morris Minor models, namely 7 ft 2 in.
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1949
UK

Morris Oxford Series II Saloon

  Also see: Morris Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Morris Oxford Series II Saloon was powered by the BMC B-Series 1½-litre 50-bhp OHV engine it had a new mono-construction body which, although having the same wheelbase and track as the preceding Series MO, was much roomier. The Morris Six was discontinued in March 1954 - some two months before the announcement of the Series II Oxford. In July 1954 a simplified version of the Oxford appeared, named the Cowley - this model had the 1200-cc engine which also powered the contemporary Austin A40 range of models.
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1954 Riley 1.5 Litre RME
UK

Riley 1.5 Litre RME

  Also see: Riley Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Riley 1.5 Litre RME
UK

Riley 1.5 Litre RME

  Also see: Riley Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1949
UK

Riley Pathfinder Model RMH

  Also see: Riley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Riley Pathfinder Model RMH four-door Saloon was introduced in October 1953 and produced until early 1957. It superseded the 1946-53 2½- Litre model, the 1½- Litre Saloon was continued with restyled front wings, rear wing spats, elimination of running boards, etc.
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1949
UK

Riley Pathfinder Model RMH

  Also see: Riley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Riley Pathfinder had entirely new full-width bodywork (used also on the Wolseley Six-Ninety from October 1954) on a new chassis with torsion bar independent front suspension (IFS) and coil spring rear suspension. The engine was an improved development from the earlier 100-bhp 2½-litre unit, now developing 110 bhp.
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1949
UK

RolIs-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Rolls Royce Road Tests and Reviews
 
The RolIs-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe, by H. J. Mulliner. In October 1953 the Silver Dawn model became available in the UK domestic market, more than four years after its original announcement; all those built previously had been for export only. It was discontinued in the spring of 1955, in favour of the new Silver Cloud model.
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1954 Rover 75
UK

Rover 75

  Also see: Rover Road Tests and Reviews | Rover Brochures
   
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1954 Rover 75
UK

Rover 75

  Also see: Rover Road Tests and Reviews | Rover Brochures
   
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1949
UK

Rover 90 Series P4

  Also see: Rover Road Tests and Reviews | Rover Brochures
 
Rover 90, Series P4. In August 1953, Rover launched the 90 and 60 Saloons as alternative-engined versions of the existing 75 model, the bodywork and chassis being common to all three. The 90 model was powered by a 2638-cc 90-bhp engine and the 60 by a 1997 -cc 60-bhp unit; all had four cylinders. Modifications made to the 75-also incorporated on the other two versions-included a central lever gearchange, repositioned handbrake, and synchromesh on second gear as well as third and top. The 90 could be distinguished externally by the badge on the scuttle and the long-range lamp on the front bumper. Wheelbase was 9 ft 3 in, tyre size 6·00-15.
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1949
UK

Standard Eight Saloon

  Also see: Standard Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Standard Eight Saloon was vastly different from its earlier namesake (1945-48). This later version marked Standard's return to the small-car market after an absence of five years. The new car was powered by an 803-cc OHV engine and fitted with a full-width body of somewhat snub appearance. Very much an economy car it was sold, initially, minus wheel hub covers, nearside sun visor and windscreen wiper, tool roll and all but basic interior trim and equipment. A less austere version was, however, added in the spring of 1954 and a Standard Ten Saloon-with 948 cc engine-joined the Eight at the same time.
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1949
UK

Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Mark IIA Saloon and Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Standard Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Mark IIA Saloon and Drophead Coupe continued with detail changes including the Alpine's higher compression ratio, modified front bumper, and plated surrounds on the small side grilles on the front valance. From October 1954 both models carried the marque name Sunbeam (Mark Ill), thus falling into line with the Alpine Roadster which had been designated Sunbeam from its introduction in early 1953.
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1949
UK

Swallow Doretti

   
 
The Swallow Doretti was a two-seater Sports introduced by the Swallow Coachbuilding Co. (1935) Ltd of Walsall, Staffs, in March 1954. Based on mechanical components of the Triumph TR2, the car featured double-skinned bodywork-steel inner shell and aluminium outer shell-with sleek lines and a well-equipped cockpit. A prototype coupe version was also built but production was discontinued after only one year.
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1949
UK

Triumph TR2

  Also see: Triumph Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Triumph TR2 power unit was derived from that of the Standard Vanguard. With twin SU carburettors and 8·5:1 compression ratio, the 1991 -cc OHV Four developed 90 bhp at 4800 rpm. It drove the hypoid bevel rear axle through a four-speed gearbox. In 1955 a Laycock-Normanville overdrive (on top gear) became available as an optional extra.
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1949
UK

Triumph TR2

  Also see: Triumph Road Tests and Reviews
 
The Triumph TR2 Sports, Model 20TR2, was introduced in the summer of 1953-the result of exhaustive test work on the two Triumph Roadster prototypes (see 46A). The production model featured a longer, squared-off tail, housing a good-sized luggage boot and modifications to brakes and chassis frame. The sidelamps were moved to below the headlamps, and the rear lamps raised to the tips of the finned wings. The car quickly established itself in competition work by taking 1 st 2nd and 5th places in the 1954 RAC Rally A specially tuned TR2 achieved 125 mph on the Jabbeke highway in Belgium.
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1954 Vauxhall Velox
UK

Vauxhall Velox

  Also see: Vauxhall Road Tests and Reviews
   
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1954 Wolseley 6/90
UK

Wolseley 6/90

  Also see: Wolseley Road Tests and Reviews
 
The first true "BMC era" big Wolseley 6/90 arrived in 1954 to replace the highly successful Wolseley 6/80. The new 6/90 was a blend of Riley Pathfinder body, although with many design differences, and it did without the Mark 1 Pathfinder's sophisticated rear suspension. The 6/90 also had a higher body than the Pathfinder, although this did not detract from its graceful Gerald Palmer styling, and importantly the Wolseley was £140 cheaper.
1954 French Salmson
1954 French Salmson
1954 Ferrari
1954 Ferrari
1954 Ghia Chrysler V8
1954 Ghia Chrysler V8
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