Description

The Crossley 25/30 HP Manchester was a high-quality British motorcar produced in the early 20th century by Crossley Motors Ltd, based in Manchester, England. Known for its engineering excellence and reliability, Crossley built a strong reputation by manufacturing cars, commercial vehicles, and even military equipment during its history. The 25/30 HP model, introduced around 1913, was among the company’s most prestigious offerings before the First World War.

This car was powered by a large-displacement four-cylinder engine that delivered between 25 and 30 horsepower, a rating common in the era and based on tax horsepower rather than actual output. The engine featured advanced design for its time, including overhead valves, and was known for smooth power delivery and mechanical robustness. It provided ample performance for touring and luxury travel, positioning the car within the upper reaches of the market.

The Manchester name associated with this model referred to its production origin as well as to the company’s pride in its industrial heritage. Crossley Motors had been founded in Manchester in the late 19th century and grew steadily by combining precision engineering with elegant coachwork. The 25/30 HP was typically offered as a chassis onto which various bodies could be fitted, ranging from formal limousines to open tourers. Coachbuilders often added custom details in keeping with the desires of affluent clients.

Driving a Crossley 25/30 HP involved a level of refinement and prestige. The car featured a four-speed gearbox and mechanical brakes, and its size and road presence made it a favorite among professionals, aristocrats, and even military officers. During World War I, Crossley cars, including those derived from the 25/30 HP, were adapted for staff car duties and other service roles due to their rugged construction and reliability under harsh conditions.

Only a limited number of these vehicles were built, and surviving examples today are prized by collectors of Edwardian and vintage cars. They reflect a transitional period in automotive history when craftsmanship, performance, and emerging technology combined to produce vehicles of lasting character and significance.

The Crossley 25/30 HP Manchester remains a fine example of British engineering from the pre-war era, offering insight into the early development of luxury motoring and the important role Crossley played in shaping the British motor industry.