Lanchester Fourteen

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Lanchester Fourteen
1937 Lanchester 14 9136596755.jpg
Fourteen 6-light saloon
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited [1]
Body and chassis
Class small luxury car
Body style 4-door six-light saloon
4-door four-light "razor-edge" sports saloon
2-door four-light four-seater coupé
all with fully panelled or leathercloth roofs and quarters. [1]
Layout FR layout [2]
Related Lanchester Eleven
Powertrain
Engine 1,527 cc (93.2 cu in) [2] 6-cylinder in-line ohv
Transmission 4-speed preselective self-changing gearbox and Fluid Flywheel
Dimensions
Wheelbase 102+1⁄2 in (2,600 mm)
track 48 in (1,200 mm) [2]
Kerb weight 25 long cwt (2,800 lb; 1,300 kg) [2]
Chronology
Predecessor Lanchester Light Six
SuccessorLanchester Fourteen
Lanchester Fourteen engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Layout
Configuration 6-cylinder in-line [2]
Displacement 1,527 cc (93.2 cu in) [2]
Cylinder bore 60 mm (2.4 in) [2]
Piston stroke 90 mm (3.5 in) [2]
Compression ratio 6.5:1
Combustion
Cooling system water, pump and fan, thermostatically controlled [2]
Output
Power output 43 bhp (32 kW; 44 PS) @4,000 rpm Tax rating 13.4 hp (10.0 kW) [2]
Chronology
PredecessorLanchester Light Six
SuccessorLanchester Fourteen
Roadrider 6-light 1937 1937 Lanchester 14 Roadrider Saloon.jpg
Roadrider 6-light 1937

The Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider is a six-cylinder automobile introduced by the Lanchester Motor Company in the beginning of September 1936. It was named "Roadrider" for its special suspension features, and billed as the lowest-priced six-cylinder Lanchester ever offered. [1] This car replaced the previous 12 hp (tax horsepower) Light Six model with a larger six-cylinder (14 hp tax horsepower) engine again in the Lanchester Eleven chassis and body.

Contents

The four-light four-door sports saloon was given a new "razor edge" body. The entirely new Roadrider shape, introduced within twelve months, was similar in appearance.

The Fourteen was continued after World War II, with a coachbuilt body for the home market and, under the Lanchester Leda name for the export market, with a lighter all-steel body.

Design and specifications

Chassis, engine, and transmission

These followed the customary Lanchester practice and the transmission included the Daimler fluid flywheel and the self-changing pre-selective four-speed gearbox. Final drive was by underslung worm gear. [1]

Standard body

Magna type wire wheels and fully chromium-plated bumpers were standard. There was a new range of coachwork. Upholstery was provided in a new style either in all leather or a combination of leather and cloth. The windscreen had remote-motor dual wipers operating from the bottom. [1]

Performance

Prices

4-light razor-edge sports saloon (shown with the Daimler grille) Daimler Fifteen sports saloon 1937 7488621694.jpg
4-light razor-edge sports saloon (shown with the Daimler grille)

New Roadrider

Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider
1939 Lanchester 14 roadrider Deluxe JPA268 14 hp.jpg
Roadrider 4-light de luxe sports saloon 1939
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Production1937–1939 [3]
Model years 1938–1939
Assembly Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Class medium size luxury car
Body style 4-door six-light saloon
4-door four-light sports saloon
Layout FR layout
Related Daimler New Fifteen
Powertrain
Engine 1,809 cc (110.4 cu in) 6-cylinder in-line ohv [4]
Transmission 4-speed preselective self-changing gearbox and Fluid Flywheel
Dimensions
Wheelbase 110 in (2,800 mm)
track 52 in (1,300 mm) [4]
Length180 in (4,600 mm)
Width65 in (1,700 mm)
Kerb weight 27.5 long cwt (3,080 lb; 1,400 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorLanchester Fourteen
SuccessorLanchester Fourteen (post-war)
Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Layout
Configuration 6-cylinder in-line
Displacement 1,809 cc (110.4 cu in) [4]
Cylinder bore 61.47 mm (2.420 in) [4]
Piston stroke 101.6 mm (4.00 in) [4]
Cylinder block materialcast iron
Valvetrain OHV pushrod cam-in-block
Compression ratio 6.5:1 [4]
Combustion
Fuel systemcarburettor
Fuel typepetrol supplied by mechanical pump
Cooling system water, pump and fan, thermostatically controlled [4]
Output
Power output 52 bhp (39 kW; 53 PS) @4,200 rpm, Tax rating 14.06

A new Lanchester Roadrider "breaking fresh and important ground" was announced at the beginning of October 1937. Engine, chassis, and body were all different, and larger and independent front suspension was now provided. An optional manual synchromesh gearbox with an ordinary clutch was also available at reduced price. [3] This car was a simpler, less luxurious version of the Daimler New Fifteen, sharing the two standard bodies but using a smaller engine.

Design and specifications (Mark II)

details in addition to tabled data

Engine (Mark II)

The crankshaft ran in four bearings [3] The engine unit had bi-axial four-point rubber mountings. [4]

"On the offside are the horizontal carburettor, the manifolds held by brass nuts, the air-cooled dynamo with a belt drive common to the combined fan and impeller and the steering box which has worm and double roller gear.

On the nearside the vertically driven make-and-break and distributor is placed centrally and has a neat easily detachable cover over the top which also hides the sparking plugs and wiring. Here also are the water tap, the coil, pressure oil filter, dip rod, sump drain plug, starter and mechanical fuel pump" [5]

Transmission (Mark II)

Power was transmitted to the rear wheels with the usual Daimler fluid flywheel and self-changing gearbox but the final drive was now by spiral bevel. [4] A pin roller-bearing propeller-shaft led to a half-floating spiral bevel driven back axle. [5]

Chassis (Mark II)

Independent front wheel springing was provided in the form of parallel links with coil springs, radius arms and torsion bar damping. The rear half-elliptical springs also were given a torsion bar stabilizer and hydraulic shock absorbers. They were rubber-mounted to minimise vibration. The exhaust system was also insulated.

Wheelbase and track had been extended by 7.5 in (191 mm) and 4 in (102 mm) respectively, providing more body space and inter-axle seating. Steering was now by worm and double roller.

Tyres 5.75 x 16 inches.

Bendix mechanical brakes were on all four wheels. [3]

Standard body (Mark II)

The radiator case was carried well forward of the front axle which lengthened the bonnet and, with the sweeping lines of the body, gave a big car appearance. "Easy clean" wheels were fitted, the front seats were adjustable, and the steering wheel column was telescopic. [3]

A luggage boot was added at the back with a separate lockable compartment for a spare wheel. Other additions were footrests for the back passengers, an electric cigarette lighter, a sunshine roof, double screen wipers, sun visors, and a new pistol-grip handbrake lever on the dash. [3]

Performance (Mark II)

Lanchester estimated the fuel consumption to be 22 mpg. Maximum speed 70 mph. [6]

Prices (Mark II)

Roadrider 6-light saloon (illustrated with Daimler grille, 1937) Daimler New Fifteen saloon 6-light October 1937 5918263706 57e5d4c954 o.jpg
Roadrider 6-light saloon (illustrated with Daimler grille, 1937)

either car might be had with four-speed synchromesh gearbox and friction clutch for £350 [4]

Post-war Fourteen and Leda

Lanchester Fourteen and Leda LJ200
Lanchester Fourteen registered July 1953 1968cc.JPG
1953 Lanchester Fourteen
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Model years 1950–1953
Assembly Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Class small luxury car
Body style 4-door six-light saloon
(coachbuilt = Fourteen)
(all-steel = Leda)
2-door drophead coupé
Layout FR layout
Related Daimler Conquest
Powertrain
Engine 1,968 cc (120.1 cu in) 4-cylinder in-line ohv [7]
Transmission 4-speed preselective self-changing gearbox and Fluid Flywheel
Dimensions
Wheelbase 104 in (2,600 mm)
track 52 in (1,300 mm) [7]
Length175+1⁄2 in (4,460 mm) [7]
Width66 in (1,700 mm) [7]
Kerb weight 28 long cwt (3,100 lb; 1,400 kg) [7]
Chronology
PredecessorLanchester Fourteen Roadrider
Successornone, Sprite withdrawn
Lanchester Fourteen and Leda engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Layout
Configuration 4-cylinder in-line [7]
Displacement 1,968 cc (120.1 cu in) [7]
Cylinder bore 76.2 mm (3.00 in) [7]
Piston stroke 107.95 mm (4.250 in) [7]
Cylinder block materialcast iron
Valvetrain OHV pushrod cam-in-block [7]
Compression ratio 6.7:1 [7]
Combustion
Fuel systemZenith downdraught carburettor [7]
Fuel typepetrol supplied by AC mechanical pump [7]
Oil system submerged gear type pump, Tecalemit full-flow oil filter with safety by-pass [7]
Cooling system water, pump and fan, thermostatically controlled [7]
Output
Power output 60 bhp (45 kW; 61 PS) @4,200 rpm [7]

The new Lanchester Fourteen was displayed to the press on 9 October 1950, the day before the public announcement. The only familiar feature was the fluid flywheel and pre-selective gearbox. It was planned that, when the factory space destroyed in the Coventry raids was completed, the coachbuilt body would be replaced with an all-steel body which would reduce the car's weight, enable a price reduction, and permit shipment in a form suitable for assembly overseas. The Times regarded the new car's only features of technical interest to be the laminated leaves (usually bars) of the front suspension's springing and the automatic lubrication every time the car was started and warmed up. Aside from the front suspension, the new chassis differed little from its pre-war version. The engine was new, a 1968 cc four replacing the 1809 cc six. [8]

Design and specifications (post-war)

details in addition to tabled data

Engine (post-war)

The engine was flexibly mounted to isolate torque reactions. It was fitted with a statically and dynamically balanced three bearing crankshaft; big ends fitted with steel-backed white-metal liners; three bearing camshaft with steel-backed white-metal liners; air silencer; and automatic advance and vacuum control of the distributor with over-riding hand adjustment for varying grades of fuel. [7]

Transmission (post-war)

The usual Daimler transmission with fluid flywheel and pre-selective 4-speed epicyclic gearbox was provided. Hardy Spicer open propeller shaft with needle roller universal joint and hypoid bevel rear axle linked the engine and rear wheels. [7]

Chassis (post-war)

The frame was of box section and cruciform braced. Suspension was independent in front using laminated torsion bars with a torsional stabilising bar. At the rear there were half-elliptic springs. Girling hydraulic shock absorbers and Girling hydro-mechanical brakes were fitted. [7]

Disc type bolt-on wheels were fitted with 6.7" x 15" low pressure cushion tyres. [7]

Standard body (post-war)

The post-war Fourteen had an entirely new coachbuilt body. When supplied for export with the lighter all-steel body, the car was known as the Lanchester Leda.

Price (post-war)

Standard coachbuilt 4-door six-light body £895

1953 Lanchester Leda 1953 Lanchester Leda 4331626219.jpg
1953 Lanchester Leda

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cars Of 1937. The Times, Thursday, 3 September 1936; pg. 6; Issue 47470
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Tuesday, 13 October 1936; pg. 8; Issue 47504
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cars Of 1938. The Times, Saturday, 9 October 1937; pg. 9; Issue 47811
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The Motor Show. The Times, Monday, 17 October 1938; pg. 8; Issue 48127
  5. 1 2 Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Thursday, 26 May 1938; pg. 22; Issue 48004
  6. ↑ Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Wednesday, 17 May 1939; pg. 9; Issue 48307
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Lanchester Fourteen, The Lanchester Motor Company Limited, Coventry, England, 1950
  8. ↑ Lanchester Fourteen. The Times, Wednesday, 11 October 1950; pg. 3; Issue 51819.

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