Description

The Crossley 20/70 HP was a notable British sports car produced by Crossley Motors from 1923 to 1926. It represented a step forward in performance and refinement for the company, building on the success of earlier models like the 19.6 HP. The 20/70 HP was aimed at drivers who wanted a more powerful and capable machine, and it was regarded at the time as both fast and mechanically robust.

At the heart of the 20/70 HP was a 3.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine, a large capacity unit for a four-cylinder of the period. This side-valve engine developed around 55 brake horsepower at 3,000 rpm. Although modest by modern standards, this output allowed the car to reach a top speed of approximately 75 mph, which was very respectable for the mid-1920s. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, offering good flexibility for both town and touring use.

The chassis featured a 3,150 mm wheelbase and was built using a sturdy ladder-frame design, which helped to support a variety of coachbuilt body styles. Most examples of the 20/70 HP were fitted with open two-seater sports bodies, although saloons and tourers were also available. The suspension used semi-elliptical leaf springs at both the front and rear. Initially, the car came with brakes only on the rear wheels, but four-wheel braking became available as an option from late 1923, enhancing the car’s safety and appeal.

Weighing around 1,448 kg, the Crossley 20/70 HP was not particularly light, but its large engine and relatively low gearing gave it solid performance, particularly for hill climbs and longer journeys. The car was known for its smooth running and mechanical reliability, making it a good choice for motorists who valued both speed and endurance. It found favour with sporting drivers and was even used in competitions and rallies during the 1920s.

In terms of design, the 20/70 HP had a conventional appearance for its time but carried the refined and purposeful lines expected of a car in its class. The interior varied depending on the body fitted, but many were quite well appointed with leather upholstery, wooden dashboards, and period instrumentation. Open versions typically had a long bonnet and a short rear section, giving them a rakish sporting profile.

Today, the Crossley 20/70 HP is a rare and desirable car among vintage enthusiasts. Few have survived, and those that do are often found in carefully maintained collections or appear at vintage motoring events. Its combination of large-engine performance, solid construction, and historical significance makes it a worthy representative of British motoring during the interwar years.