Crossley Silver 15.7 Saloon

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The Crossley brothers, Frank and William, were apprenticed engineers who learned their trade at Robert Stephenson’s steam works and Armstrong Whitworth Ltd.

Their top-quality engineering education and shrewd financial acumen led them into business on their own, purchasing a Manchester-based pump maker as their first business. Their ability to spot a good thing when they saw it led to the purchase of the worldwide patent for Otto’s four-stroke engine (excluding Germany), including the use of poppet valves and a carburettor, which soon made them extremely wealthy and allowed rapid expansion of their own business. 

Incorporating the Christian Coptic Cross in their new company logo to reflect their devout religious beliefs, Crossley's main activity was the production of engines for commercial purposes, developing sophisticated production-line techniques, many of which were used by Henry Ford when he developed his factory for the Model T.

They soon graduated to car production, winning a number of contracts for First World War staff cars as well as aircraft and munitions manufacture. Their cars were of extremely high quality, refinement taking priority over performance, although this was still excellent by the standards of the day.

Their range matured in the 1920s, with a powerful 3.8-litre 19.6hp model being supplemented by a smaller 2.3-litre 15hp model (marketed for some reason as the 12/14hp). This model gained a six-cylinder engine in 1928 as the 15.7hp gaining a much needed extra gear at the same time. It was renamed the Crossley Silver in 1930 when the four-wheel brakes were updated and more power was added to the engine.

Reflecting the quality of their products, Crossley customers including King George V, The Prince of Wales, the Kings of Spain and Siam and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. Car production carried on post war, but the core business remained industrial engines, the firm eventually becoming part of the Rolls Royce empire.

This splendid Crossley Silver Saloon is a vintage 1930 model, the subsequent chassis to this car being delivered to the Prince of Wales. It has had just three previous owners, spending most of its life in Harlech doing service at the local garage, working for its living for some time as the town Hackney Carriage.

Its last owner undertook a comprehensive restoration, fitting new king pins and bushes, brake adjusters and linings and spring shackles. Numerous photographs are on file showing the extensive work to the bodywork and trim which is now in excellent condition.

The vendor acquired the car in 2012 and has since replaced the engine rocker shaft with a reconditioned spare from the Lagonda Club (the engine is shared with the Lagonda 16/80) along with new bushes. The Solex carburettor was sent away to the USA to be rebuilt by acknowledged expert Stan Howe at considerable expense, the car starting instantly and running sweetly when taking the catalogue photographs. The vendor has also undertaken numerous small jobs and has brought the car up to a high standard of presentation.

He advises us that the clutch-stop could do with some adjustment as it requires a very slow tick-over to allow engagement of first gear from standstill, although once on the move it is easy to manage. The owner’s advancing years and the car’s recent lack of use have now prompted its sale.

This fine quality Crossley Silver delivers a mechanical refinement that is the hallmark of the illustrious Manchester firm. Ready to go, its new owner will be able to enjoy its relatively modest dimensions, comfortable interior and flexible power unit. For those who enjoy vintage open-air motoring but are starting to think about their longer-term plans, this elegant and easy to manage saloon could be just the thing. 

AMENDMENT: The Rocker Shaft was not replaced, instead the work done was to replace 12 reconditioned rocker arms and new bushes were obtained from Lagonda, after one broke.