| Manufacturer | Vauxhall Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 1910 - 1914 |
| Assembly | Luton |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 4525 or 5013 cc I6 |
| Wheelbase | 135 in (3,429 mm) or 144 in (3,658 mm)[1] |
| Width | 64 in (1,626 mm) |
The Vauxhall B-type was a large car manufactured by Vauxhall Motors from 1911 to 1914. It was Vauxhall's first six cylinder car.
In 1904 Napier had introduced a six cylinder engined car onto the British market, a lead followed a year later by Rolls-Royce. Vauxhall decided to join this club and designer F.W. Hodges made an experimental six in 1905 with cylinders cast in two sets of three and chain drive but it never saw production[2]. The car that would go into production as the B-type 30hp had a completely new engine of 3473 cc with all six cylinders cast in one block in the prototype but production versions had reverted to two three cylinder units and with capacity increased to 4525 cc.
The chassis was similar to that used on the A-type and used semi elliptic leaf springs and rigid axles front and rear and was available in a choice of two wheelbases of 135 in (3,429 mm) or 144 in (3,658 mm). The side valve engine had a bore of 90 mm and stroke of 120 mm and produced an output of 30 bhp. On later cars the capacity increased to 5013 cc. Drive was to the rear wheels via a multi-plate clutch and four speed transmission separated from the engine by a short shaft. The engine, clutch and transmission were mounted on a sub frame within the main chassis. There were no brakes on the front wheels but the car had a transmission brake immediately behind the gearbox operated by the foot pedal.
About 75 were made [2]. Body styles fitted are believed to have included a two seat tourer, landaulette, cabriolet and limousine[3]. After production ceased in 1914 or possibly 1915, excluding the sleeve valve S-type, there would not be another six cylinder Vauxhall until the 1928 R-type which was built after the company was bought by General Motors.