The Crossley Atlas
commercial vehicles
The Atlas range of commercials was introduced in 1931 and remained in production until 1936. Both two axle (six ton) and three axle (eight to twelve ton) types were made. The vehicles seem to have been referred to as the"Alpha" at first but when the Arrow single-deck bus name was changed to Alpha the Atlas name was used instead.
Six-cylinder diesel engines were used, at first the 45/85 then the VR6.
Chassis numbers were in the 950xx range.
The number made is not known and there are no known survivors.
CHASSIS
The chassis cost £1440 in 1932.
BODY STYLES
The Atlas as illustrated in the Crossley sales brochure.
A 2 axle 6 ton Crossley Atlas with Dyson 7-8 ton trailer in the ownership of Hargreaves Bros of Adlington, Chorley, Lancashire.
A 1933 Atlas destined for Mcmillans in Belfast photographed at the Crossley factory.
SPECIFICATION
9120 cc (VR6)
4 7/16 inches (112.7 mm) (VR6)
47.3 (VR6)
100 bhp at 1700 rpm (VR6)
Tank capacity 22 gallons (100litres)
3.68:1, 2.57:1, 1.43:1, 1:1
Optional two speed auxiliary gearbox from December 1932
ratio - 8.25:1 (other ratios optional)
Electric starter.
Rear - 5 ft 8 in (1720 mm)
complete vehicle - around 5 tons 19 cwt (6.04 tonnes)
4½ turns lock to lock
44 x 3.5 in (1120 x 90 mm).
60 x 3.5 in (1524 x 90 mm)
Triple vacuum servo - two at the front axle mounted.
Handbrake operates on rear wheels through separate mechanism.
Twin wheels at rear