In the UK, the 1932 model year saw a healthy increase in car production, amounting to almost 10% over the corresponding period ending September 1931. Private car and taxi output was 171,244 but a drop in commercial vehicle production kept the total production figure of all types down to 232,719. The year's export figure for cars rose to 31,797 units, the highest ever with the exception of 1929 when almost thirty-four thousand were shipped overseas. Sterling value of these two annual export figures, however, differed out of proportion at 3·93 million for 1932 and 5·47 million for 1929, suggesting an increase in overseas sales of smaller and cheaper cars. 2,762 foreign cars were imported.
UK registrations from January to December amounted to 152,950 (excl. N. Ireland with just over 3000) with the 8 HP group still leading but rapidly losing ground to the 10 HPs. Exact figures were 34,068 and 24,623 respectively. Other HP classes in the over-10,000 league were 12 HP (23,581),9 HP (18,154) and 14 HP (15,427). Only 187 cars were of a higher rating than 40 HP, compared with 303 in 1931 and 509 in 1930. In September the total number of vehicles in use was just over 1·6 million, including 1,149,231 private cars and 86,743 'hackneys'. Although the 1930 Hillman Wizard was not an outstanding success, the Rootes brothers persevered and 1932 saw the introduction of the Hillman Minx which was to be produced in various marks over four decades.
The AC 16/56 Magna had 56-bhp 1991-cc OHC engine. rated at 15·7 HP. A Sports version was available with a 60-bhp variant of the same power unit. The Coupe shown cost £400 and featured a dickey seat.
The Alvis TL 12/60 was available in chassis form at £395 or complete as two-seater Sports (£450) and Sports Saloon (shown). The four-cylinder OHV engine was of 1645-cc (69 x 110 mm) capacity, rated 11·8 HP. Power output was 52 bhp at 4000 rpm. The Alvis TJ 12/50 had basically the same engine but with 42-bhp output.
The Aston Martin International Four-Seater had a 1496-cc (69 x 99 mm) OHC four-cylinder engine developing 56 bhp at 4500 rpm and rated at 11·9 HP. Transmission comprised four-speed gearbox and worm-drive rear axle.
Austin supplied many Seven two-seaters to the British Army who used them for scouting and similar purposes. 1929-32 models had a WO-design box back body; the front end sheet metal was like that of the contemporary civilian model. Initial equipment included 4.00-27 'knobbly' tyres. Shown is a 1931/32 model.
Austin Ten-Four
The Austin Ten-Four was a new addition to the Company's 1932 range. It was powered by an 1125-cc 9·99 HP side-valve four-cylinder engine which gave a top speed of over 56 mph. By April 1932 the full Austin range consisted of Seven, Ten-Four, Twelve-Six, 12. 16 and 20 HP models, with a wide variety of body styles.
Ford of Britain had made American Model T and A cars (and commercial derivations) for many years at their Manchester plant. In May 1932 the Model B (shown) was introduced. This car was produced in the new Oagenham plant.
There were three basic versions: Model B (4-cyl, 24 HP, until Oct. 1934), Model BF (small-bore 4-cyl. 14·9 HP, until 1935) and Model 18 (V-8-cyl., 30 HP, until Sept. 1933).
Ford opened their new Dagenham factory in 1931 and the first all-British Ford car to emerge was the 8 HP Model Y. It was, in appearance, a scaled-down replica of the American Model B. It was powered by a 933-cc (56·6 x 92·5 mm) side-valve four-cylinder engine. Drive to the 5-42:1 spiral-bevel rear axle was transmitted via a single dry plate clutch and a three-speed gearbox with synchromesh. Wheelbase was 7 ft 6 in, track 3 ft 8 in. Early production had 4.00-18 tyres. Suspension was the same as on all contemporary Ford cars, using transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs.
The Ford 8 HP was restyled in the summer of 1932. The new 'Popular Ford' (later to be named Ford Popular) was again a small-scale version of the American Ford, this time the 1933 Model 40 (which was not marketed in the U K until about a year later). Within the Ford organization the 8 HP Model Y was known also as Model 19E.
The Ford 8 HP was restyled in the summer of 1932. The new 'Popular Ford' (later to be named Ford Popular) was again a small-scale version of the American Ford, this time the 1933 Model 40 (which was not marketed in the U K until about a year later). Within the Ford organization the 8 HP Model Y was known also as Model 19E.
The Frazer-Nash TT Replica model was powered by a 1496-cc (69 x 100 mm) OHV four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors, rated at 11.9 HP. Engine perrformance was 'according to owner's requirements'. Suspension was by quarter-elliptic leaf springs and wheelbase was 8 ft 6 in, Several other models were offered by the manufacturers, AFN Ltd. of lsleworth, Middlesex.
Hillman sold their first Minx cars in early 1932 and they were an immediate success. The engine was a 9·8 HP 1185-cc (63 x 95 mm) side-valve Four, developing 25 bhp at 3600 rpm. Gearbox was three-speed, wheelbase 7 ft 8 in. The chassis cost £120 and there were four Saloon and two Tourer body types available from the factory (price range £159 to £198).
Hillman sold their first Minx cars in early 1932 and they were an immediate success. The engine was a 9·8 HP 1185-cc (63 x 95 mm) side-valve Four, developing 25 bhp at 3600 rpm. Gearbox was three-speed, wheelbase 7 ft 8 in. The chassis cost £120 and there were four Saloon and two Tourer body types available from the factory (price range £159 to £198).
Hillman Minx Tourer was driven by Captain T. Yates Benyon from London to Calcutta in 1932 in an attempt to beat the mail boat. He covered 6.803 miles in 33 days.
Hillman Minx with attractive two-seater bodywork by Carbodies of Coventry. The price was £185 and for only just over £2 10s. extra one could have the radiator stone guard (shown) and a spare wheel cover.
Humber Snipe Saloon had 23·8 HP 3·5-litre six-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox. The 16/50 model was similar except for 15·7 HP 2·1 litre engine. The wire wheels had 5.50-19 tyres. Pictured left is a Snipe that succesfully completed a journey across the Andes!
The Humber Pullman Limousine had the same engine as the Snipe but had 11 vs. 10ft wheelbase and 6.00-20 vs. 5.50-19 tyres. The car shown was supplied to the Dunlop Rubber Company for tyre testing purposes. When the picture was taken, in March 1934, the car had covered 100,000 miles, working out at 300 miles per day five days a week.
Invicta offered three chassis, the 12 HP, the 30 HP and the 30 HP Sports, at £335, £680 and £750 respectively. Pictured left is a £425 Five-seater Saloon on the 12 HP chassis, which was known as the Small Invicta. It had a six-cylinder OHC engine of 1498-cc capacity (57 x 97·9 mm), developing 45 bhp at 4400 rpm.
The Invicta 4½ Litre 30 HP Sports Open Four-Seater cost £875. It had a six-cylinder OHV engine of 4467-cc (88·5 x 120 mm) capacity, developing 108 bhp at 3200 rpm. Like the Small Invicta it had a dropped frame, underslung at the rear, with 9 ft 10 in wheelbase. The basic 4½ Litre, available with Saloon bodywork at £795, had 10ft 6 in wheelbase.
The Lagonda Two-Litre Speed Weymann Fabric Saloon was available in black, maroon and green at £695. Any deviation from these colourings cost £10 extra. Other extra-cost options included cycle type wings, £10, and semi-panelled Bodywork in place of fabric, £25 The two-litre (1954-cc) engine had twin overhead camshafts, inter-changeable inlet and exhaust valves and hemispherical combustion chambers, machined all over. Gearbox was four-speed, wheelbase 10ft. tyre size 5.00-31. The two-litre models were also available in supercharged form, boosting the power output from 67 to 90 bhp, both at 4200 rpm.
Lagonda Three-Litre Selector Special Panelled Weymann Saloon
Lagonda produced two-litre four-cylinder and three-litre six-cylinder models. There was the Three-Litre Selector Special Panelled Weymann Saloon, priced at £1065. A luggage boot for two suitcases was fitted at the rear. The car had a 3181-cc (75 x 120 mm), OHV engine and a special 'Selector' vacuum-operated gearbox, manufactured under Maybach licence. It provided two ranges of four forward speeds, controlled from the top of the steering column. A conventional gear lever was used for reverse and for selecting high and low ratio.
The Lea-Francis 1½-Litre Hyper-Sports Four-seater Tourer was one of several models offered with super-charged engine. The 1496-cc (69 x 100 mm) OHV four-cylinder engine developed 72 bhp and was rated at 11·9 HP. The Cozette blower (super-charger) was driven at engine speed by bevel gears direct from the crankshaft. Gearbox was four-speed, wheelbase 9 ft 3 in. The price of both the Tourer and Two-Seater model was £550. Fabric Saloon version cost £650.
Lea- Francis 16/70 HP De Luxe Coachbuilt Saloon
The Lea- Francis 16/70 HP De Luxe Coachbuilt Saloon. This model sold for £495 (£505 with sliding roof) and had a 50-bhp 1991-cc (65 x 100 mm) OHC six-cylinder power unit, rated at 15·7 HP. Lea-Francis 2-Litre models were generally similar but had 9 ft 3 in vs. 9 ft 6 in wheelbase, single spare wheel and other detail differences.
The picture left shows MG cars of various types in a dealer's showroom. In background, left to right: 18/80 Mark I1 Speed Model (£630), Two-seater (£625), and Saloon (£670). In the centre is an 8/33 Midget M-type Panelled Two-seater (£185), behind a Midget C-type Montlhery The latter was a competition model, developed from the M -type. It had a two-seater racing body with cowled radiator and was priced at £490 (with super-charger £575).
The MG Magna F-type was produced during 1931-32 and had a six-cylinder engine developed from the Midget M-type. It was a 1271-cc OHC unit with an output of 37·2 bhp at 4100 rpm. Some 1250 were built. with three bodystyles. Pictured left is a four-seater Tourer, Model F3, with non-original headlamps.
For 1932 the Morris Minor now had a side-valve engine, replacing the earlier overhead-cam unit but bore and stroke were the same (57 x 83 mm, 847 cc). Several open and closed body styles were available, including this 5-cwt light van.
The Morris Cowley was available with 1550-cc (69·5 x 102 mm) engine, rated at 11.9 HP or with 1802-cc (75 x 102 mm) engine, rated at 13·9 HP. The latter was known also as the 14/32. The 'ghost view' clearly shows the general layout of the car. Note pipe between top of engine and carburettor: the air cleaner was incorporated in the valve rocker cover. Transmission was three-speed, wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, tyre size 5.00-19.
The Morris Cowley was available with 1550-cc (69·5 x 102 mm) engine, rated at 11.9 HP or with 1802-cc (75 x 102 mm) engine, rated at 13·9 HP. The latter was known also as the 14/32. The 'ghost view' clearly shows the general layout of the car. Note pipe between top of engine and carburettor: the air cleaner was incorporated in the valve rocker cover. Transmission was three-speed, wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, tyre size 5.00-19.
The Morris Isis Six was the top-line model with 2468-cc (69 x 110 mm) six-cylinder OHV engine rated at 17.7 HP. The chassis was available at £250, the complete car cost £100 more. The wheelbase was 10ft. the transsmission four-speed and the tyre size 5.50-19.
On the left are the Sixes, on the right is a selection of Cowleys, with an Oxford Six at the far end. I n the centre is an M G Midget. 38B: Riley Alpine five-seater Four-Light Saloon was introduced in late 1931 and continued until 1934. It had a 49-bhp 1633-cc (60·3 x 95·2 mm) six-cylinder OHV engine. rated at 14 HP.
Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II chassis with Coupe bodywork. The 7768-cc OHV six-cylinder engine was rated at 43·3 HP. The 20/25 HP model also had six cylinders but was of less than half this cubic capacity and rated at 25·3 HP. Both had four-speed gearbox and servo brakes.
The Rover 10/25 Weymann Sportsman's Coupe with built-in rear luggage locker sold at £185 (sliding roof £5 extra) Saloon bodywork was available at slightly higher price. Engine was 1185-cc (63 x 95 mm) four-cylinder, rated at 9·8 HP, with three-speed gearbox. Rear axle drive was by worm. Wheelbase 8 ft 8 in.
The Rover Pilot was a 12 HP six-cylinder car available as coachhbuilt or Weymann Saloon, or as Weymann Sportsman's Coupe. All three were priced the same at £245 The chassis cost £165. The 141 O-cc OHV engine developed 30 bhp at 3600 rpm.
Singer produced a wide range of models, varying from the £130 Junior Two-Seater to the £480 Kaye Don Six Saloon. Shown left is a Nine Sports Coupe which took part in the Monte Carlo Rally. It had a 972-cc (60 x 86 mm) 24·9-bhp OHC four-cylinder engine, rated at 8·93 HP.
The Standard Little Nine Two-seater was smallest and cheapest (£145) of Standard's range which comprised Little and Big Nine, Sixteen and Twenty models. The little Nine had a 22-bhp 1005-cc (60,25 x 88 mm) side-valve Four engine. The Sixteen and Twenty were Sixes.
The Standard Little Nine Special Saloon was priced at £169 The Basic Saloon. which had less luxurious specification and no bumpers. cost £155. Both had 7 ft 6 in wheelbase.
The Standard Big Nine range comprised Tourers and Saloons, costing from £195 up to £255. Shown left is the £255 Special Saloon. All had 1287-cc 26-bhp four-cylinder side-valve engine and four-speed gearbox.
The Talbot 14/45 HP Light Six Scout was available with two- or four-door Saloon bodyywork. both at £395. The engine was a 1666-cc (61 x 95 mm) OHV Six with an output of 45 bhp at 4500 rpm. rated at 13·8 HP.
The Talbot Seventy-Five Two/Three-Seater with double dickey seat was one of 11 body options on this 17·9 HP £425 chassis with 9 ft 6 in wheelbase. Engine was an OHV six-cylinder of 2276-cc capacity (69·5 x 100 mm) Prices of complete cars ranged from £525 (shown left) to £695 (Limousine and Landaulette).
The Talbot Ninety De Luxe Sports Saloons had the same engine and wheelbase as Seventy- Five models but a 10ft wheelbase chassis was also available in this series. Model shown was priced at £695.
Triumph Super Seven Four-door Pillarless Saloon Mark II
The Triumph Super Seven Four-door Pillarless Saloon Mark II was an attractive small car with an 832-cc side-valve four-cylinder engine, developing 19·8 bhp at 3500 rpm and rated at 7·9 HP. Tyre size was 400-27, wheelbase 6 ft 9 in. It had a rear-mounted fuel tank with vacuum feed (front-mounted with gravity feed on Mark I).
The Vauxhall Cadet was a popular car, selling at £280 in 16·9 HP Saloon form. It had a 2048-cc 42-bhp engine. Other 1932 Vauxhall offerings were the Eighty and Eighty L (LWB) with 3317-cc power unit. All engines were OHV Sixes. The Cadet was available for export with a 3177-cc 47-bhp engine and was the first major 'fruit' of the take-over of Vauxhall Motors by the General Motors Corporation.
The Wolseley Hornet Special chassis with Swallow open four-seater bodywork. Compared with the standard model, the Hornet Special offered extra-performance features such as twin carburettors and oil cooler. Other 1932 Wolseleys were 16/60 and 21/60 OHC Sixes: the Eight was no longer available.