Crossley 18/50 and 20.9 data

The Crossley "18/50" and "20.9"

The Crossley 18/50 was manufactured between 1925 and 1927. Approximately 300 were made. Chassis numbers range from 40000 to 40300.

The Crossley 20.9, with a bored out engine, superceded the 18/50 with an initially identical specification and range of body styles. It was manufactured between 1927 and 1931. Approximately 1200 were made. Chassis numbers continued in the same range as the 18/50 starting from 40301 to 41503.

BODY STYLES

	"Canberra" Enclosed Limousine £875 (1927) (18/50 & 20.9)
	Super Six Enclosed Limousine (1934 model) (£1050 1929)
	"Aero" saloon £750 (20.9)
	5 seat touring car £675 (1926-7) (18/50 & 20.9)
	Fabric saloon £720 (1927) (18/50 & 20.9))
Photo not yet available	Saloon De Luxe £795 (20.9)
Photo not yet available	Short wheelbase Limousine £820 (20.9)
	Super Six Fabric Saloon £795 (1930)
	Enclosed Landaulette £895 (1927) (18/50 & 20.9))

The above are all Crossley factory bodies. Many cars were supplied in chassis form to independent coach builders

The prices quoted are from contemporary advertisements.

SPECIFICATION

Engine/gearbox/transmission

Body/chassis

capacity
18/50 - 2692cc
20.9 - 3181cc

cylinders
6 monobloc

bore
18/50 - 69mm
20.9 - 75 mm

stroke
120mm

compression ratio
5:1 later 6:1

RAC Horse Power
18/50 - 17.7
20.9 - 20.9

carburettor
Smiths 5 jet or Crossley-Stromberg OX2

valves
overhead operated by pushrod

lubrication
Pressure fed to the four main and big end bearings

ignition
High Tension Magneto (BTH later Scintilla)

max power
18/50 50bhp at 2750rpm
20.9 - 60bhp at 3000rpm

fuel consumption (typical)
20 mpg (18/50)
15 mpg (20.9)

max speed (approx)
70 mph

Gears
4 speed, right hand control
ratios 1:1, 1.46:1, 2.32:1, 3.74:1

acceleration
0-50mph in 25 seconds (20.9 fabric saloon)
0-50mph in 39 seconds (18/50)

Clutch
single plate

Drive shaft
Open shaft. Fabric couplings.

Rear axle
semi floating axle with spiral bevel drive
ratios 4.5:1 (18/50)
4.28:1 or 4.72 (Super Six)
4.75:1 (open 20.9) 4.92:1 (closed 20.9)

wheelbase
short or long options
10 feet 5 inches
11 feet 5 inches (used on limousine and landaulette)

length
15 feet 4 inches (saloon)
16 feet 4 inches (long wheel base limousine)

track
4 feet 8 inches

width overall
5 feet 10 inches (saloon)

weight
35 cwt (limousine)

steering
Worm and complete wheel

suspension - front
offset semi elliptic springs with optional (later standard) shock absorbers

suspension -rear
offset semi elliptic springs with optional (later standard) shock absorbers

brakes

4 wheel brakes. Bendix/Perrot system
hand brake acts on rear wheels via separate shoes

wheels/tyres
Early cars on "Artillery" type wheels. From 1930 Rudge Whitworth wire wheels available
820 x 120 or 5.25 x 21 (1927) (18/50 and 20.9)
5.25 x 21 (Super Six)

RETURN TO CROSSLEY CARS IN THE 1920s