Malcolm Whitehouse

Lanchester 30hp 1930
Layout: Front Engine rear wheel drive with a chassis frame and separate body. The body is a copy of a car made for Nancy Lanchester (George Lanchester’s daughter) using the original drawings created by George Lanchester in the 1920's.

Engine: A straight 8 cylinder engine of 4.5 litres with overhead camshaft and dual ignition systems. The bore and stroke is 3.1 inches x 4.5 inches. The original Zenith carburettor has been replaced with an updraught SU. Petrol is delivered via an Autovac.

Transmission: 4 speed crash gearbox with a torque tube and underslung worm drive back axle.

Suspension, Steering and Brakes: The suspension is via cantilever rear springs and semi elliptic front springs. The brakes are 15in drums all round operated by Rod and Cable with linkages of Lanchester’s own design. The Steering box is unique to Lanchester.

Interesting elements:

The brake actuation is assisted by a Clayton Dewandre vacuum servo.
Instrument lighting is via a sheet of edgelite Perspex very much state of the art for 1930. The rear seat passengers have an Auster Screen to protect them from the elements.