Ascort

Ascort-TSV-1300 G.T.
Ascort-TSV-1300 G.T.
Overview
Manufacturer	Continental Coachwork Pty. Ltd. [1]
Production	1958 to 1960
Assembly	Australia
Designer	Mirek Craney [1]
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	RR layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3L Flat-4 [1]
Transmission	4-speed manual [1]
Dimensions
Length	14’ 1” [2]
Curb weight	1467 lb [2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Nil
Successor	Nil

The Ascort was an automobile manufactured by Continental Coachwork of Sydney, Australia ^[3] from 1958 to 1960.^[4]

Designated as the Ascort-TSV-1300 G.T.,^[3] it utilized a mildly modified Volkswagen chassis fitted with a four-seat coupé body which was based on that of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupé, although significantly different in appearance.^[1] The body, which was constructed of fibreglass, had a prestressed double shell with a bonded-in light steel tubular frame, and was mounted on an 11-inch rubber seal.^[1] The 1.3-litre Volkswagen flat-4 engine was modified using Okrasa and Porsche components to produce 54 bhp at 4300 rpm.^[1] The vehicle's total weight was 1467 lb,^[2] 33% less than that of a standard Volkswagen Beetle sedan.^[4] The Ascort had a top speed of 96 mph ^[2] and could accelerate from zero to 50 mph in 12.0 seconds.^[2]

19 cars were built before production was terminated.^[5] Although there were plans to offer the car with a 70 hp, 1500 cc engine, which would have given the car a top speed of well over 100 mph, this variant was never produced.^[5]

References