Description

The Crossley 19.6 Tourer was a large and well-appointed open car built by Crossley Motors Ltd in the early 1920s. Positioned above the company’s smaller 14 HP models, the 19.6 was designed for customers who required greater power, more spacious accommodation, and a higher level of refinement. It reflected Crossley’s reputation for engineering excellence and was typical of the era’s grand touring cars—substantial, durable, and styled with Edwardian elegance transitioning into postwar modernity.

At the heart of the 19.6 was a four-cylinder engine, displacing around 3.6 litres. The “19.6” referred to its RAC horsepower rating, which was a method used in Britain for tax purposes rather than a direct measure of actual output. In practical terms, the engine delivered around 45 to 50 brake horsepower, which gave the car ample performance for long-distance touring and effortless cruising on open roads. Crossley’s engines were known for their smoothness and mechanical reliability, and the 19.6 benefitted from a robust design with overhead valves and solid construction.

The tourer body style was open and airy, offering seating for four or five passengers with a folding canvas hood for weather protection. This configuration was particularly popular in Britain’s countryside and colonies, where the open body allowed for pleasant driving in fair weather and ease of access for both passengers and luggage. The rear seat area was often generous, sometimes with a tonneau cover for added protection when the roof was down. The bodywork was typically simple yet dignified, featuring flowing wings, running boards, and a tall, upright radiator grille.

Chassis construction was strong and straightforward, using a ladder frame and semi-elliptic leaf springs for suspension. The car rode on large wire or artillery wheels and had mechanical brakes—initially on the rear wheels only, although later models may have had four-wheel braking. A four-speed manual gearbox offered a reasonable spread of ratios, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine’s torque. Driving one of these cars required some physical effort, especially at low speeds or on hills, but it delivered a satisfying sense of mechanical engagement.

The Crossley 19.6 Tourer appealed to a clientele who valued a car that could handle long-distance driving, challenging road conditions, and still carry passengers in comfort. It was often seen in both civilian and military use, as Crossley supplied vehicles for government and colonial administrations. The model’s strength and adaptability made it well suited to such roles.

Today, the Crossley 19.6 Tourer is a rare and valued example of early British motoring. Surviving vehicles are typically found in the hands of collectors who appreciate their rugged elegance, period charm, and historical importance. As a touring car of its time, the 19.6 combined practicality with presence, and stands as a proud representative of Crossley’s engineering legacy.