Description
The Crossley 18/50 HP Saloon was a high-quality, six-cylinder luxury car produced by Crossley Motors Ltd in the late 1920s. This model marked a significant step forward for the company, showcasing more refined engineering, increased power, and an elevated level of comfort and sophistication. The 18/50 HP was intended to compete with other upper-mid-range saloons of the day and appealed to discerning buyers seeking quiet performance and traditional British craftsmanship.
The car was powered by a six-cylinder engine of 2.7 litres, which produced approximately 50 brake horsepower. The “18/50” designation referred to its RAC rating of 18 taxable horsepower and its approximate power output. The engine was of an advanced design for the time, featuring overhead valves and a smooth-running inline-six layout that gave the car a level of refinement and quietness not found in four-cylinder models. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, and the car offered relaxed cruising abilities and strong low-end torque, making it suitable for long-distance travel.
The saloon body was enclosed and featured four doors, with a focus on interior space, quietness, and passenger comfort. Seating was typically for five or six people, with wide, well-upholstered benches and generous headroom. Interiors were appointed with wood and leather or quality cloth, and instrumentation was neatly laid out on a polished wooden dashboard. The cabin was designed for comfort in both the front and rear compartments, often including amenities such as a folding armrest, window blinds, and interior lighting.
The 18/50 HP was built on a strong and conventional ladder-frame chassis, with semi-elliptic leaf springs providing a comfortable ride. The car was equipped with four-wheel mechanical brakes, a significant improvement in safety over earlier rear-only braking systems. The steering was precise and well-weighted for the time, giving the car a dependable and solid feel on the road.
Crossley was known for its conservative but high-quality engineering, and the 18/50 HP Saloon embodied those values. It was not flashy or ostentatious but instead projected quiet confidence, reliability, and a sense of refinement. It was popular with professional and middle-class buyers who wanted a capable and well-made British car that could handle the demands of both city and country driving.
Though not produced in large numbers, the 18/50 HP helped to reinforce Crossley’s reputation during a competitive period in the British motor industry. The car’s blend of strong performance, smooth operation, and traditional design made it a respected model among its contemporaries.
Today, surviving examples of the Crossley 18/50 HP Saloon are rare and cherished by collectors of vintage British cars. They represent a period when engineering integrity and restrained elegance were central to automotive design, and they continue to offer a satisfying driving experience for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and character of prewar motoring.