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Luxury Cars
Britain
1910s

 Lanchester Thirty-Eight

(1910 1914)
Lanchester Thirty-Eight car history
Overview
ManufacturerThe Lanchester Motor Company Limited
Production1910-1914
AssemblySparkbrook, Birmingham
DesignerGeorge Lanchester
Body and chassis
Classluxury carriage
Body styleTourer
LayoutFR layout (engine between driver and front seat passenger)
Powertrain
Engine4.856 L I6 Straight-six
TransmissionLanchester patent compound epicyclic, 3-speeds and reverse, with separate high pressure lubricating system
Clutch-Lanchester multi-disc for direct drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase

127.0 in (3,226 mm) (SWB)
139.0 in (3,531 mm) (LWB)

Track = 58.0 in (1,473 mm)
Kerb weight35 cwt (LWB with standard touring body)

 

The Lanchester Thirty-Eight was designed by the youngest brother, George Lanchester assisted by Frederick Lanchester acting as a consultant which was a reversal of their previous roles.

By the end of 1913 Frederick Lanchester would cease to have any connection with the company at all.

However as the 38 hp was a development of the preceding 28 hp which was designed by Frederick this car may be said to have more of Fred than of George in it.

Lanchester Thirty-Eight race

Lanchester 38 hp Engine
ManufacturerThe Lanchester Motor Company Limited
Production1910-1914
Combustion chamber
Configuration6-cylinder in-line
Displacement4,856 cubic centimetres (296 cu in)
Cylinder bore101 mm (4.0 in)
Piston stroke101 mm (4.0 in)
Cylinder block alloy1910-1912 cylinders cast singly
1913-1914 in pairs
ValvetrainOverhead, horizontal, 2 per cylinder, operated by rocking levers and flat plate springs
Twin camshafts in upper half of crankcase
Combustion
Fuel systemLanchester patent wick fuel vapouriser
H.T. magneto and Bosch trembler coil for starting
Fuel typePetrol
Cooling systemHoneycomb radiator, thermo-syphon, two fans

 

Lanchester Thirty-Eight rear view from 1913

Related items
veteran vehicles | Britain 1910s | Vehicles launched in 1910

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