Autovia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Autovia | |
| Manufacturer: | Autovia |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1937-1938 35 made |
| Body style: | sports saloon limousine |
| Engine: | 2849 cc V-8 |
| Transmission: | 4-speed pre selector 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase: | 129 inches (3.28 m)[1] |
| Length: | 175 or 183 inches (4.45 or 4.65 m)[1] |
| Width: | 71 inches (1.80 m)[1] |
| Designer: | Charles Van Eugen |
Autovia was a short lived brand of British car made in Coventry between 1937 and 1938. The venture was ambitious and even included setting up a school for chauffeurs. The cars were expensive and it was a market sector well served by other companies. About 35 cars were made.[2]
The company was created by Riley as a subsidiary to produce large luxury cars. A 2849 cc V-8 engine was developed from existing Riley engine blocks and coupled to either a pre selector gearbox bought from Armstrong Siddeley or a conventional four speed manual unit. Drive was to the rear wheels through a live axle with worm gear final drive.
Two body types were advertised, a sports saloon and a limousine mostly built by Arthur Mulliner.
The venture failed when Riley went bankrupt. When they were taken over by the Nuffield Organisation Autovia was not resurrected.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Culshaw, Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- ^ Sedgwick, m. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.
