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In the middle 1920s, when there was considerable interest in sleeve-valve engines, Waverley Cars, Ltd., marketed a speed model having the Burt McCullum power unit. This was a four-cylinder assembly having a capacity of 1496-c.c. (68 x 103-mm.), and being of the single-sleeve variety. The engine differed from the touring units in that the sleeve ports were cut to a different contour, aluminium pistons were used, and the con. rods were drilled for lightness.
The four-speed gearbox was fitted separate from the engine and had a top-gear ratio of 4.3 to 1. A cone-type clutch was used, whilst suspension was by long semi-elliptic springs. Contemporary motoring journalists described it as a very fast sports-touring car, and commended the makers for having produced a smooth-running car, with most comfortable seating accommodation for four people. The four-wheel brakes were also praised. Maximum speed appears to have been well in excess of 60 m.p.h. The reason for their eventual disappearance from the market was public antipathy to small sleeve-valve engines. Apparently they had a reputation for being oil-burners. |
