1939 Vauxhall 10
My father and I each owned one of these from 1960 for several
years.
I passed my driving test in my father's.
Introduced in 1937 at a time when engine size was restricted by
taxation
and the 10 h.p. class was a highly competitive market, the "10" was
designed
to provide a low rated car with a large car "feel". Independent
front
suspension and low weight against size were two of the goals.
This
was the first British car with "integral" construction - no
chassis.
The front suspension was by enclosed torsion bars and there were very
effective
hydraulic brakes. The "10" was an outstanding success and really
was a modern car compared to its competition. The two we had were
equipped with full leather upholstery and sunshine roofs. They
were
very good performers capable of 75 mph and 40 mpg.
I managed to write-off mine by rolling it when a front brake wheel
cylinder seal leaked oil and hard braking swung the car into a ditch
whereupon
it flipped over and I came out through the closed roof, luckily without
much damage. Dad kept his for about 5 years until I sold him the
'54 Humber Hawk.
- First British car with integral body/chassis.
- Semi-elliptic rear springs.
- Torsion bar independent front suspension.
