Description
The Crossley 14 HP Tourer was a classic example of British motoring in the 1920s, combining solid engineering with elegant and practical design. Produced by Crossley Motors Ltd of Manchester, the 14 HP model was intended as a middle-class car, offering reliability and understated style. The tourer body style was especially popular at the time, suited to both leisure and everyday use, with open seating and a folding hood for versatility in varied weather.
Under the bonnet, the Crossley 14 HP was powered by a four-cylinder engine, designed to deliver around 30 to 40 brake horsepower. The 14 HP figure referred to its RAC taxable horsepower rating, a system used in Britain to determine road tax rather than true engine performance. Crossley’s engines were well-engineered, using overhead valves and solid castings, and were known for their smooth and dependable operation. The engine was typically mated to a three- or four-speed manual gearbox, and the car was rear-wheel drive, following the standard layout of the period.
The tourer version featured a lightweight, open body with room for four passengers. It had front and rear bench seats, often trimmed in leather, and simple but tasteful interior fittings. The roof was a manually operated fabric hood that could be raised or lowered depending on the weather. In many versions, the rear of the car included a luggage platform or space for a spare wheel, reinforcing its role as a practical touring car for countryside motoring or weekend drives.
Crossley was known for the quality of its chassis and coachwork. The suspension used semi-elliptic leaf springs, and braking was mechanical on all four wheels, which provided reasonable stopping power for the time. The chassis itself was strong and durable, a reflection of Crossley’s engineering background and its role in producing vehicles for military and commercial use.
The 14 HP Tourer was well-regarded by its owners for its combination of comfort and mechanical simplicity. It offered a level of refinement appropriate for professionals and families seeking reliable transportation without extravagance. While not built in large numbers, the model helped to reinforce Crossley’s reputation as a dependable and well-crafted British carmaker.
Today, surviving Crossley 14 HP Tourers are considered valuable examples of vintage British motoring. Their simplicity, charm, and solid engineering make them attractive to enthusiasts who appreciate the elegance of interwar automotive design and the practicality of a well-made open car from one of the country’s more understated marques.