Founded in 1899 by brothers Frederick, George, and Frank Lanchester, the Lanchester Motor Company was a pioneer of British automotive engineering, known for designing cars from “first principles” rather than as modified horseless carriages. Fred began work on his first car in 1895; it ran on public roads in early 1896 and featured a unique single-cylinder engine with counter-rotating crankshafts for extreme smoothness. The company was the first to market disc brakes to the public in 1902 and pioneered technologies like epicyclic gearing, worm drive, and cantilever suspension.
In 1931 Lloyds Bank decided they no longer wished to provide Lanchester’s relatively modest overdraft, giving the company two weeks to pay up. The company was, therefore, pushed into selling the business to BSA-Daimler which had a much larger overdraft, but which, as a major military supplier, enjoyed a privileged position with a UK political and banking establishment.
Lanchester’s first cars
Car No. 1 (with advanced single-cylinder engine) was destroyed in WW2. Car No. 2 (shown), ran in the 1900 1000-Mile Trial.
Years
1895-98
Engine
1306cc S1 3459cc HO2
Body Style
Tourer
Production
1 + 3
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Science Museum
Lanchester 12 HP
Small numbers of 10 (4033cc), 12 (4033cc) (shown), 16 (4838cc), and 18 HP (4838cc) mid-engined horizontally-opposed twins were made. Water-cooled (except 10). In-house bodies from 1903. Tiller steering.
Years
1900-04
Engine
4033cc HO2
Body Style
Tourer
Production
30+
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Jaguar Heritage Trust
Lanchester 20 HP / 25 HP
The company was relaunched in 1905, making the company’s first 4-cylinder car. Engines featured pressure lubrication, and were mounted between the front seats, resulting in the driver sitting well forwards, and the car having no bonnet.
Years
1904-11; 1912-14
Engine
2472cc S4
Body Style
Tourer
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lanchester 28 HP
Lanchester specification started to become more conventional with tiller steering and two-lever gear changing being replaced. However, a prototype 50 HP was built in 1907 with a 8145cc engine.
Years
1906-11
Engine
3654cc S6
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Lanchester 38 HP / 40 HP
Considered one of the finest cars available, smooth-running and smooth-riding on its pressed-steel chassis and cantilever suspension. Bodies still made in-house. The engine location made it spacious but old-fashioned until the 40.
Years
1911-14
Engine
4856/5482cc S6 SV
Body Style
Tourer or formal
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
‘Phaeton’ or ‘torpedo’ tourer, brougham, landaulette, limousine (inc hardtop)
Photo: Wikipedia
Lanchester Armoured Car
During WWI, Lanchester produced artillery shells, aircraft engines, and these armoured cars built on their 38hp chassis. The wick carburettors were less prone to clogging in wartime conditions.
Years
c. 1915
Engine
.
Body Style
Armoured car
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Lanchester 40 HP
Lanchester’s challenge to Rolls-Royce and Napier. Introduced just before the War (with a side-valve engine – see above), and the initial focus thereafter. George’s first designs, and the first cars with a bonnet.
Years
1919-28
Engine
6178cc S6 OHC
Body Style
Tourer, saloon, sports saloon
Production
392
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Jaguar Heritage Trust
Lanchester 21 HP / 23 HP
Lighter car in keeping with straightened times.
Years
1923-26; 1926-31
Engine
2982/2930cc S6 OHC
Body Style
Formal, coupé, tourer
Production
735
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Saloon, limousine, tourer, coupé (inc doctor’s coupé, drophead), landaulette
Photo: Classic Valuer
Lanchester 27 HP Petrelect
Fred worked for over a decade on his ideas for a hybrid petrol-electric car, building a number of prototypes. Engineering Heritage Award 2024. Petrol engine at the rear. Wooden frame and suspension.
Years
1927
Engine
Hybrid
Body Style
Saloon
Production
Prototypes
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Birmingham Museums
Lanchester Armoured Car Mk II
More stable and more heavily armed and armoured than its predecessor, the 6×4 was primarily used for colonial policing due to its large size and poor turning circle, which made it ill-suited for European reconnaissance.
Years
c. 1928
Engine
.
Body Style
Armoured car
Production
39
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Also a staff car, ambulance and military truck
Lanchester 30 HP Straight Eight
George paid great attention to the details of the smooth-running straight 8, and the car competed directly with Rolls Royce.
Years
1929-32
Engine
4448cc S8 OHC
Body Style
Formal, tourer
Production
126
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Saloon, limousine, landaulette, Coupé de Ville, Tourer, coachbuilt specials
Leave a Reply