3-speed manual gearbox,[1] multi-plate clutch with a worm final drive. From the differential assembly a short universally jointed propeller shaft runs out transversely to each front wheel
gear type pump by skew gears from crankshaft, de luxe tourer and coupé cars have an oil-pressure-warning green light on the dashboard, other cars have a pressure gauge[4]
The BSA Scout is a small open two-seater front-wheel drive car, manufactured and sold by subsidiaries of The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited, launched at the beginning of April 1935. On account of its front-wheel drive and low centre of gravity it was said to be remarkably stable taking corners in safety which would be impossible with a normal design.[1] This new addition to the range of small open cars for young motorists was intended to further embellish BSA's reputation for sound design, robust construction and complete reliability.[5]
At the front of the car was the engine, clutch, gearbox and a short stiff propeller shaft to the worm and spur driven differential and front wheel brake. All these mechanicals were (flexibly[6]) mounted as one unit positioned in a reverse to the usual order, the differential at the very front of the car.
Engine
The car's four-cylinder, 9 (RAC) horsepower 1,075cc (65.6cuin) engine and transmission had powered thousands of BSA three-wheelers over the previous five years.[1]
Transmission
The gearbox was centrally controlled by a lever in the facia providing three forward speeds and reverse[1] The propeller shafts from the differential to each wheel had flexible fabric joints and enclosed universal joints. The multi-plate clutch had two light alloy discs with cork inserts and ran in oil.[4]
Chassis
The conventionally designed chassis was made of channel section side members suitably braced by cross members.[4] Suspension was by eight quarter-elliptic springs in front—four to each wheel giving independent front springing.[1]
Rear suspension was by ordinary half-elliptical springs to a beam axle. The single brake for the front wheels was a part of the differential unit. The rear brakes were on each wheel.[3]
Electrical equipment was six-volt and a five lamp set supplied with dip and switch control to the head lights was included.[4] The tyre size is 4+1⁄2 by 18 inches (110mm ×460mm).
Bodies
The pneumatic cushioned upholstery was leather and the frame of the body of ash panelled in aluminium.[4] An open two-seater it had attractive and sporting lines yet with enough leg and elbow room.[1]
During 1936 an open four-seater sports tourer body also became available at £169.10.0.[3][6] and a two-seater coupé complete with recessed traffic indicators, sunshine roof and other closed car fittings: £185.[6] These bodies became known as series 3.
A new two-seater drophead coupé was announced in August 1939 (similar to the car which won the coachwork award in the Welsh Rally. The price was to be £195[7]
The car was built for speeds approaching 70mph (110km/h). Petrol consumption was expected to be an average of 35 to 40 miles per imperial gallon (8.1 to 7.1L/100km; 29 to 33mpg‑US).[1]
Series 2 – Engine upgrade
For the October 1936 Earls Court Motor Show the engine capacity was increased to 1,203cc (73.4cuin).[3]
Series 3 – variants of 2
Also for the October 1936 Motor Show—either a two-seater coupé by Mulliners or a 4-seater open tourer on the same chassis as the 2-seater named series 2.[3][6]
Series 4 – August 1937
Shock absorbers were fitted all round. Front braking was now by brakes on the front wheels.[4]
The price of the two-seater and the two-seater de luxe had been reduced to £149.10.0 and £156.10.0 respectively.[4]
Coupé de luxe £179. The coupé was now only available with the de luxe equipment.[4]
The motoring correspondent of The Times described the two-seater as "a rakish looking body with two wide cut-away doors with cord-operated locks and pockets. The floor is flat and unobstructed, there is luggage space in the tonneau behind the squab with a cover, and the hood folds down completely when it is concealed. There is a single panel safety glass folding screen with a curved top line and the detachable side screens are stored behind the squab. The instruments are in front of the driver with a good-sized cupboard and grabrail on the left."[4]
"The coupé two-seater is of airline type and there is a bench type of seat with adjustment to the back and good luggage space behind. A sliding roof, safety glass windows, a windscreen which can be wound out, a rear blind, ventilators in the side of the scuttle, large headlamps with stone guards, a spare wheel, door locks, a sports spring steering wheel, flush fitting traffic indicators, a roof light and an inside reflecting mirror are included."[4]
Series 5
A switch to a more powerful 12-volt electrical system and to Bendix cable brakes.[8]
Series 6 – October 1938
Easy-clean (pressed steel) wheels are now fitted in place of the wire wheels. The coupé is now a 4-seater. The 9.8 engine has been redesigned, water-jacketing has been increased and a three-bearing crankshaft incorporating improved lubrication is now provided. Induction improvements include larger valves and a downdraught carburettor. The front and rear tracks are now the same—4ft 0in (1.22m) and the wheelbase of all cars is now 7ft 11+1⁄4in (2.419m).[9]
A new drophead coupé 2-seater was announced on 1 August 1939[10] but war broke out on 3 September and very few of these cars were made.
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