User:KrikkitRobot/Rover 9

The Rover 9 was a small family car from the British Rover car company produced between 1925 and 1929.

Rover 9/20 edit

Rover 10/25
 
Overview
ManufacturerRover
Production1929-1933. 15,000 approx made[1]
Powertrain
Engine1.2 L straight 4
Transmission3- or 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase104 in (2,600 mm)[2]
Length156 in (4,000 mm)[2]
Width62 in (1,600 mm)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorRover 9

The 1929 Rover 9 was based on the earlier Rover 8 (which it replaced), and was the predecessor to the Rover 10. The car was conventional with leaf spring suspension all round, quarter elliptic at the front and rear with rigid axles. Braking was provided by two cable-operated drums on the rear wheels.

The four cylinder, overhead valve engine had a capacity of 1074 cc and had a magneto ignition, electric starting motor (although a starting handle was also provided). Drive was to the rear wheels through a three speed gearbox through a dry-plate clutch.

Rover 10 1933-1938 edit

Rover 10
 
Overview
ManufacturerRover
Production1933-1938. 9202 made[1]
DesignerMaurice Wilks and Robert Boyle
Body and chassis
Body stylesaloon, coupé, open tourer
RelatedRover 12
Powertrain
Engine1.4 L straight 4
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase105 in (2,700 mm)[2]
Length152 in (3,900 mm)[2]
Width61 in (1,500 mm)[2]

The 1933 10 was really a new car with new chassis and new 1389 cc engine. It was the first car to be developed by Rover after the Wilks brothers Spencer and younger brother Maurice joined the company. The car was relatively expensive at GBP238 - the Austin 10 was GBP168 - and reflected the new company policy of moving upmarket rather than chasing volume. The Pressed Steel body was continued but there were no more fabric bodied models. Chassis were also supplied to a wide range of external coachbuilders.

The engine was flexibly mounted in the chassis to reduce vibration and a freewheel device was fitted to help gear changing on the non-synchromesh gearbox and save fuel, a 15% improvement in economy was claimed. The freewheel would continue to be a feature of some Rovers until 1959.

Rover 10 1939-1947 edit

Rover 10
 
Overview
ManufacturerRover
Production1939-1947
2,640 made post war[3]
Powertrain
Engine1.4 L straight 4
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase105 in (2,700 mm)[2]
Length163 in (4,100 mm)[2]
Width62 in (1,600 mm)[2]

The final version of the 10 was launched in 1939. The chassis was slightly modified getting an extra half inch (12 mm) in the wheelbase and the engine got a new cylinder head increasing power from 44 to 48 bhp. Synchromesh was fitted to the top two ratios on the gearbox. The body was restyled in the Rover style of the time. The price was now GBP275 for the saloon but few were made before the outbreak of war and production stopping in 1940.

The Coventry factory was damaged by bombing in November 1940 and when production restarted it was from the new Solihull works. The cars were little changed but a left hand drive version to help the export drive arrived in 1947 along with an optional heater.

The final cars were made in 1947.

References edit

  1. ^ a b Sedgwick, M. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Culshaw (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Sedgwick, M. (1986). A-Z of cars 1945-1970. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • The Rover Story. Graham Robson. 1977. Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 1-85260-175-2
  • The Rover Ten. Jonathan Wood. The Automobile June 1999. ISSN 0955-1328

10 Category:1930s automobiles