1910s
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 Lanchester Thirty-Eight

(1910 1914)
Lanchester Thirty-Eight car history
Overview
Manufacturer The Lanchester Motor Company Limited
Production 1910-1914
Assembly Sparkbrook, Birmingham
Designer George Lanchester
Body and chassis
Class luxury carriage
Body style Tourer
Layout FR layout (engine between driver and front seat passenger)
Powertrain
Engine 4.856 L I6 Straight-six
Transmission Lanchester patent compound epicyclic, 3-speeds and reverse, with separate high pressure lubricating system
Clutch-Lanchester multi-disc for direct drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase

127.0 in (3,226 mm) (SWB)
139.0 in (3,531 mm) (LWB)

Track = 58.0 in (1,473 mm)
Kerb weight 35 cwt (LWB with standard touring body)

 

The Lanchester Thirty-Eight was designed by the youngest brother, George Lanchester assisted by Frederick Lanchester acting as a consultant which was a reversal of their previous roles.

By the end of 1913 Frederick Lanchester would cease to have any connection with the company at all.

However as the 38 hp was a development of the preceding 28 hp which was designed by Frederick this car may be said to have more of Fred than of George in it.

Lanchester Thirty-Eight race

Lanchester 38 hp Engine
Manufacturer The Lanchester Motor Company Limited
Production 1910-1914
Combustion chamber
Configuration 6-cylinder in-line
Displacement 4,856 cubic centimetres (296 cu in)
Cylinder bore 101 mm (4.0 in)
Piston stroke 101 mm (4.0 in)
Cylinder block alloy 1910-1912 cylinders cast singly
1913-1914 in pairs
Valvetrain Overhead, horizontal, 2 per cylinder, operated by rocking levers and flat plate springs
Twin camshafts in upper half of crankcase
Combustion
Fuel system Lanchester patent wick fuel vapouriser
H.T. magneto and Bosch trembler coil for starting
Fuel type Petrol
Cooling system Honeycomb radiator, thermo-syphon, two fans

 

Lanchester Thirty-Eight rear view from 1913