Crossley BGT1 data

THE CROSSLEY BGT1, 40-50, or 30 cwt

The BGT1 (British Government tender Type 1), also known as the 40-50hp or on the civilian market the 30 cwt Subsidy Chassis, was produced in 1923 in response to the British War Office's Subsidy Specification No 30 which called for a "30 cwt chassis capable of carrying at least 2 tons over rough country". At first the 5266 cc 30/70 engine was used but the smaller 25/30 engine could be specified. The 30/70 engine was an overbored version of the 25/30. The last ones were probably made in 1927.

It was available in both civilian and military specifications, the civilian version having a fabricated radiator surround and the military a cast aluminium version. At least one was fitted with a Kegresse track bogie and used in 1925 as a demonstrator. The military version was supplied to the British and Indian governments and the Royal Air Force.

The engine used was either the 4531 cc 25/30 type or the 5266 cc 30/70 type.

Chassis numbers were in either the 30xxx range for those fitted with the 25/30 engine or the 50xxx range for the 30-70 engined variants.

Around 200 are believed to have been made, none are known to survive.

BODY STYLES

	The 30 cwt civilian version of the 40-50 with lorry body from the Crossley Motors Sales Brochure
	The BGT1 military model. This example was fitted with a Kegresse track and was acting as Crossley's demonstration vehicle in trials at Bovington camp in 1925.

In chassis form the BGT1 cost £850 or £890 with electric lighting and starting and complete vehicles cost from £950. It was eligible for a government subsidy of £40 per year if made available for military use on demand.

SPECIFICATION

Engine/gearbox/transmission

Body/chassis

capacity
4531 cc or 5266 cc

cylinders Four, cast in pairs

bore 4 inches (101.6 mm) or 4 5/16 inches (109.5 mm)

stroke 5 ½ inches (140 mm)

compression ratio .

RAC horsepower 25.6 or 29.8

valves side

lubrication pressure fed to bearings

ignition HT magneto

carburettor Smiths 4 jet

max power 30-50 bhp or 50-70 bhp depending on specification

fuel consumption (typical)

max speed (approx) 50 mph (80 kph)

Gears Gearbox separate from engine and linked by double flexible coupling.

overall ratios: 34:1, 20.5:1, 11.75:1, 6.25:1. Reverse 27.494:1

Drive shaft

Final Drive worm drive 6.25 ratio.

Clutch Inverted cone type with Ferodo lining. Clutch stop.

Axle Front - beam axle
Rear - steel casing with fully floating drive shafts

wheelbase

length 11 feet 8 inches (3556 mm).

track 4 feet 9 inches (1448 mm)

weight (unladen)

steering worm and full wheel.

suspension - front semi elliptic springs

suspension -rear semi elliptic springs

brakes Foot operated contracting transmission brake.
Hand operated rear expanding type. cast iron lined.

wheels/tyres Rudge Whitworth type spoked wheels.

Tyres - 36 x 6 inches front, 38 x 7 inches rear

fuel capacity Rear tank containing 15 gallons (68 litres). Dash tank with 5.5 gallons (25 litres).

Feed from rear tank by Autovac, dash tank by gravity. Level gauge on rear tank.

Lighting One Acetylene head lamp on right hand side, two side lights, one rear lamp.

Electric lighting optional

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