1934 CROSSLEY REGIS SIX
ENGINE 1650cc/6-cyl/IOE POWER 48bhp@4500rpm TORQUE n/a MAXIMUM SPEED 80mph 0-60MPH 28sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 21-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed pre-selector MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 87,879 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
You might be expecting rather slow and wobbly. That’s just not the case here. The car will (once you’ve mastered its pre-selector gearbox) bowl along nicely at 55-60mph. It feels extremely well engineered too, and the brakes aren’t bad either.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car was subject to a rebuild totalling £47,000 between 1986 and 1992, as detailed in an enormous history file. The two-tone paintwork is immaculate, the panels are straight and we could not find even a pin-prick of rust anywhere. The substantial chassis is as solid as the rest of the bodywork and everything opens and closes as it should. The brightwork is complete (goodness knows where you’d fine replacement items) and in excellent condition. It would cost a fortune to rechrome the hubcaps, windscreen surround and driver’s mirror alone.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The magnificent interior is in fine order and a delight to savour. The seats are in pleated leather, which could well be original, and they’re very comfortable. There is a small rip in the passenger seat bolster and some tape on the driver’s support. The interior woodwork is in a wonderful, gleaming state and the door trims and carpet are sound. The steering wheel with Bakelite-style centre boss incorporating indicator, dip, horn and lights is as it should be. The windscreen opening mechanism and sunroof work as intended. The instrument panel is well-equipped for a 1934 car, with ammeter, fuel, oil pressure gauges and a clock, all of which are functioning correctly.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine, with its Crossley Maltese cross insignia (despite apparently being a Coventry Climax unit) is a work of art in itself. It starts instantly and appears to be in excellent order. However, it’s not immaculately show-prepared, the car having been regularly used, with some long journeys recently. That said, there are no worrying emissions or leaks. The preselector gearbox is of relatively numerous Wilson manufacture and works well. We could find nothing of concern with the suspension or steering.
THE CCW VIEW
What a great machine. It’s beautifully designed and built by a manufacturer that stopped making cars in 1937 but would continue producing some of the most charismatic British commercial vehicles. This is one of a few cars fitted with the 1650cc engine which were, by all accounts, distributed to family, friends and the mostloved customers of the Crossley hierarchy. The norm was a 1476cc unit. The car doesn’t so much have a history file as a tea-chest. Spares may be a problem but otherwise here is a pre-war vehicle of true joy and which is so usable.