Description
The Crossley 15.7 Silver Sports Tourer was a refined and stylish British automobile produced by Crossley Motors between 1930 and 1934. Sometimes marketed as the “2-Litre” or simply the “Silver,” this model was aimed at customers seeking a balance between spirited motoring and practical touring capabilities. It was part of Crossley’s attempt to remain competitive in the interwar automotive market with vehicles that combined performance, elegance, and craftsmanship.
The car was powered by a 1,991 cc inline six-cylinder engine with an overhead valve (OHV) design. This engine produced around 44 horsepower at 3,500 rpm, which was respectable for the era and allowed the car to reach a top speed of approximately 68 mph (110 km/h). It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission that featured a right-hand change mechanism, typical of British cars from this period. The powertrain was smooth and reliable, delivering a comfortable driving experience both in town and on longer journeys.
The chassis incorporated four-wheel Perrot-type mechanical brakes, which offered improved stopping power compared to earlier designs. These brakes, combined with a long wheelbase of about 3,124 mm, provided stable handling and confident braking performance. The overall dimensions of the vehicle were generous, with a length of 4,210 mm and a width of 1,700 mm. It weighed around 1,375 kg, offering a solid and reassuring ride.
The Silver Sports Tourer body was most often an open four-seat design, showcasing sweeping lines, flared wings, and a rakish windscreen. The bodywork was elegant yet understated, with an emphasis on quality materials and attention to detail. Interiors typically featured leather upholstery, polished wood dashboards, and a full complement of instrumentation. The open-top design made it ideal for summer motoring, and some versions included a folding hood and side screens for added versatility.
Production numbers for the Crossley 15.7 series are estimated at around 1,800 units, though specific figures for the Sports Tourer variant are unclear. Of those, only about two dozen examples are known to survive today, many of which are located in Australia and New Zealand. Surviving cars are highly prized by collectors for their rarity and the insight they offer into British motoring of the early 1930s.
The Crossley 15.7 Silver Sports Tourer stands as a fine example of pre-war British automotive design. It combined engineering competence with elegant styling and was well-suited to the grand touring lifestyle of its time. Today, it represents a piece of motoring heritage and is admired not only for its beauty and rarity but also for its representation of a bygone era in British car manufacturing.