Austin 18

The Austin Eighteen is a large saloon car, supplied in two different wheelbases to carry five or seven passengers, that was introduced by Austin on 14 July 1937. Its engine and front seat were mounted nine inches (225 mm) further forward than on the old York Sixteen it replaced. The chassis was also extended three inches (75 mm) to provide a total of twelve inches (300 mm) more passenger space. One result was a relatively short bonnet and a good driving position. Its new shape followed the lines of the other Austin cars introduced the previous autumn and it was remarkable for having a completely flat floor in both front and rear passenger compartments with exceptionally wide doors and draught-free ventilation.

Austin Eighteen
Iver, Windsor and Norfolk
Norfolk 5-seater first registered October 1938
Overview
ManufacturerAustin[1]
ProductionJuly 1937 – September 1939
Quantity (sold)
Longbridge
Body and chassis
Body stylesaloon:
Norfolk 5-seater,
Windsor 7-seater LWB
with division:
Iver LWB[1]
Powertrain
Engine2,510 cc (153 cu in) Straight-six[1]
Transmissionin one unit with the engine: single-plate clutch, 4-speed centrally controlled gearbox with synchromesh on 2, 3 & top.Three quarter floating rear axle[1]
Dimensions
WheelbaseSWB: 112.5 in (2,860 mm)
LWB: 123 in (3,100 mm)[1]
Track front: 58 in (1,500 mm)[1]
Track rear: 58.5 in (1,490 mm)[1]
Kerb weightWindsor LWB: 32 long cwt (3,584 lb; 1,626 kg)[2]
Chronology
PredecessorAustin Sixteen 16 or 18 hp
SuccessorAustin Sheerline
Austin Eighteen engine
Overview
ManufacturerAustin
ProductionLongbridge
Layout
ConfigurationStraight 6-cylinder[1]
Displacement2,510 cc (153 cu in)[1]
Cylinder bore69.35 mm (2.730 in)[1]
Piston stroke111 mm (4.4 in)[1]
Block materialCast iron. Aluminium pistons with anodised surfaces. Four-bearing crankshaft [1]
Head materialaluminium, detachable[3]
Valvetraininclined side valves, inlet larger than exhaust
Compression ratio6.5:1[2]
Combustion
Fuel systemdowndraught carburettor with hot spot induction and new manifolding[1]
Oil systemfloating filter pick up for the oil pump and anti-surge valve
Cooling systemforced water circulation thermostatically controlled
Output
Power output65 bhp (48 kW; 66 PS) @3,400 rpm
Tax horsepower 17.9[3]
Chronology
PredecessorAustin Sixteen 18 hp engine
SuccessorAustin Sheerline 3460 cc and 3995 cc

Chassis

The engine and gearbox unit had four live rubber mountings and the silencer and exhaust pipe were similarly insulated. The frame was rigidly cross braced with the deep side members dropped in order to give a low body mounting. Where the cross bracings ran into the side members they were welded to form a box section which gave stiffness.[1]

Engine

The engine, carried forward from the 18 h.p. York model of the Sixteen had received small improvements which increased the engine's output. The engine benefited from improvements to the 12hp engine found in the new Ascot of 1936. The crankshaft is supported on 4 bearings and the main and big end bearings are of the shell type. The 1938 season engine benefited from higher compression, bigger valves and an aluminium cylinder head with thermostat fitted. These often cracked upon removal.

Gearbox

Austin own design 4 speed with syncromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top (dog clutch). Borg and Beck dry plate clutch and 2 piece propshaft, supported in a central rubber-mounted bearing.

Braking

Braking is provided through Girling rod brakes, with a similar design found on the Austin 14 Goodwood.

Steering

The steering column was adjustable for length.[1] The steering system by Marles-Weller had been improved. Because the engine had moved forward the track rod was now forward of the front axle.[1]

Suspension

The low periodicity half-elliptical springs were zinc interleaved with oilite self-lubrication discs at the end of the main leaves. Oil could be fed between the leaves by grease gun through a nipple under each spring.[1]

Norfolk 5-seater first registered February 1939
  • rear view
  • front view

Road test

The Windsor car, roomy and well-proportioned, has unusually wide and deep side-windows. . . . There are two good-sized suitcases in the boot above a separate compartment for the spare wheel and tyre and room for extra luggage on the platform made by the open boot door. . . . Seating is generous and head clearance "most satisfactory". The folding occasional seats are comfortable within their limits. . . ."The engine is much helped by the latest (cylinder) head towards a greater and smoother delivery of power". Acceleration and speed was rated as adequate in view of the reliable and economical usage for which the car was intended. The brakes were "powerful".[2]
Motoring Correspondent, The Times

  • Austin 18 Six Cylinder Ambulance, 1938
  • Ambulance body on a 1939 Austin 18 chassis
  • Austin 18 Ambulance, 1939
  • Austin Ambulance dating from 1938 / 1939

References
  1. Cars Of 1938. The Times, Wednesday, 14 July 1937; pg. 3; Issue 47736.
  2. Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Friday, 9 December 1938; pg. 22; Issue 48173.
  3. Cars Of 1939. The Times, Wednesday, 27 July 1938; pg. 4; Issue 48057.
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