Lanchester Fourteen

Lanchester Fourteen

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 12 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
Successor Lanchester Fourteen
Lanchester Fourteen engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Combustion chamber
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
Predecessor Lanchester Light Six
Successor Lanchester Fourteen
Roadrider 6-light 1937

The Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider, a new 6-cylinder Lanchester was announced by The Lanchester Motor Company Limited at the beginning of September 1936. The name Roadrider was chosen because of the special suspension features which were provided. It was stated to be the lowest priced six-cylinder Lanchester ever offered.[1] This car replaced the previous 12 hp (8.9 kW) Light Six model with a larger six-cylinder (14 hp or 10 kW) engine again in the Lanchester Eleven chassis and body.

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]

Prices

4-light razor-edge sports saloon (shown with the Daimler grille)

New Roadrider

Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider

Roadrider 4-light de luxe sports saloon 1939
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Production Third quarter 1937 to 1939[3]
Model years 1938-1939
Assembly Coventry
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]
Length 180 in (4,600 mm)
Width 65 in (1,700 mm)
Kerb weight 27.5 long cwt (3,080 lb; 1,400 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Lanchester Fourteen
Successor Lanchester Fourteen (post-war)
Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Combustion chamber
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 alloy cast iron
Valvetrain OHV pushrod cam-in-block
Compression ratio 6.5:1[4]
Combustion
Fuel system carburettor
Fuel type petrol 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 syncromesh 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 7½ inches and 4 inches 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)

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

Post-war Fourteen and Leda

Lanchester Fourteen and Leda LJ200
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Model years 1950-1953
Assembly Coventry
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]
Length 175 12 in (4,460 mm)[7]
Width 66 in (1,700 mm)[7]
Kerb weight 28 long cwt (3,100 lb; 1,400 kg)[7]
Chronology
Predecessor Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider
Successor none, Sprite withdrawn
Lanchester Fourteen and Leda engine
Overview
Manufacturer The Daimler Company Limited
Combustion chamber
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 alloy cast iron
Valvetrain OHV pushrod cam-in-block[7]
Compression ratio 6.7:1[7]
Combustion
Fuel system Zenith downdraught carburettor[7]
Fuel type petrol 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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cars Of 1937. The Times, Thursday, Sep 03, 1936; pg. 6; Issue 47470
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Tuesday, Oct 13, 1936; pg. 8; Issue 47504
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cars Of 1938. The Times, Saturday, Oct 09, 1937; pg. 9; Issue 47811
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The Motor Show. The Times, Monday, Oct 17, 1938; pg. 8; Issue 48127
  5. 1 2 Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Thursday, May 26, 1938; pg. 22; Issue 48004
  6. Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Wednesday, May 17, 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, Oct 11, 1950; pg. 3; Issue 51819.

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