Crossley badgeThe Crossley Beta commercial vehicles

 

The Beta range of commercials was introduced in November 1933 as an updated version of the Atlas but both models were offered until the Atlas was withdrawn in 1936. Both two-axle (six ton) and three-axle (eight to twelve ton) types were made.

At first the VR4 diesel was used but after the Atlas went out of production the VR6 became an option.

Chassis numbers were in the 951xx range.

The number made is not known and there are no known survivors.


CHASSIS

Crossley truck chassis

The chassis cost £1195 with the VR4 engine.


BODY STYLES

Crossley beta truck

A VR4 engined Beta in use by Wadsworth in 1934. This particular example was part of an order for ten and was a third repeat order.

Crossley Beta truck

A Beta with side tipping body supplied to E & O Griffiths of Monmouthshire.

Crossley Beta 3 axle

A 3-axle Beta


SPECIFICATION

6080 cc (VR4)
9120 cc (VR6)
VR6 - Six cylinders cast in one block with cylinder head in two blocks of three.
4¼ inches (108 mm) (45/85)
4 7/16 inches (112.7 mm) (VR6)
6 inches (152.4 mm)

43.4 (45/85)
47.3 (VR6)

overhead
pressure to five bearing crankshaft, big ends, pistons and camshaft.

85 bhp at 1800 rpm (45/80)
100 bhp at 1700 rpm (VR6)



4 speed separately mounted from engine
3.68:1, 2.57:1, 1.43:1, 1:1
Optional two speed auxiliary gearbox.
single dry plate
Two part shaft with Hardy Spicer joints
Spiral bevel final drive
Fully floating
ratio - 8.25:1 (other ratios optional)

2-axle 12 ft 6 in (3810 mm)
2-axle - 19 feet 9¾ inches (6039 mm)
Front - 6 feet 2 7/8 inches (1900 mm)
Rear - 5 feet 9¾ inches (1772 mm)
7 feet 5¾ inches (2280 mm)

Marles cam and lever
53 ft 6 in (16.3 m) turning circle
half-elliptic springs
half-elliptic springs
Triple Dewandre servo braking system.
17 inch (43 mm) drums,
front -3 inch (75 mm) wide
rear - 6 inch (150 mm) wide
Hand brake operates on rear wheels sharing foot brake drums
36 x 8 tyres
Twin wheels at rear
35 gallon tank
Electric