Gill (automobile)

For other uses of "Gill", see Gill (disambiguation).
Gill Getabout
Overview
Manufacturer Gill Cars Ltd
Production 1958-1960
Body and chassis
Class Microcar
Body style 2-door coupé
Powertrain
Engine 322 cc Anzani two-cylinder[1]
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Length 114 inches (2895 mm)[1]

The Gill was an English car based on the Astra and built in George Street, Paddington, London from 1958 to 1960 by a subsidiary of the British Anzani Company. It was another product of the fuel shortages that occurred during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Like the Astra it featured a rear-mounted 322 cc air-cooled engine mounted under the floor at the rear and all-round independent suspension with swing axles at the rear. Drive was by chain to the rear wheels through a three-speed motorcycle gearbox with floor-mounted change lever. The brakes were hydraulically operated.

The two seat body was made from aluminium over a wood frame mounted on a steel chassis. It shared the Astra's front bodywork [2] but from the windscreen back it was bodied as a coupé called the Getabout. A four seat taxi version was also proposed and some saloons might have been made. At £500 (£523 for the de-luxe)[1] the car was expensive when a Ford Popular cost £444.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Robson, G (1974). A-Z of British Cars 1945-1980. Devon: Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  2. ↑ G.N. Georgano, Nick (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.
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