British and European Car Spotters Guide - 1952

Send This Page To A Friend

The monthly British car production average during 1952 was 37,334 of which 22,979 (complete) and 2,840 (chassis only) were exported. Although there was still a shortage of new cars for the domestic market things were looking decidedly brighter. The general state of British roads and the Government's attitude towards the problem came in for a great deal of criticism from many quarters. The chairman of The Berkshire Highways Committee said in his report on the condition of that county's roads ... 'There is a very small margin between the present condition of the roads and a condition which would be wholly unsatissfactory'.

On the design front overhead-valve engines were rapidly replacing the side-valve variety and engine sizes were gradually increased. More attention was being given to producing wings and grilles which could be removed easily for repair and-following the demands of overseas buyers -to rust-proofing and dust-sealing. Petrol tanks and spare wheels were to be found in some unexpected places, in the search for more luggage space. Although many of the models were changed only in detail from the previous year, the public did see the arrival of the new Austin A30 Seven and the restyled Vauxhall Wyvern and Velox. Of the year's total car production of 448,000 no fewer than 308,942 were exported, valued at nearly £111 million. Imports were down to just under 1900 cars and the total of new car registrations in the UK was 196,469 (including 5432 hackneys).
1952 AC 2-Litre Saloon
UK

AC 2-liter Saloon

  Also see: AC Car Reviews | The History of AC (AUS Edition)
 
The AC 2-liter two-door Saloon was continued from the previous years and in October was joined by a four-door model. The Drophead Coupe had been discontinued but the Buckland Tourer (see 1950) was still available.
1952 AC Buckland Sports
UK

AC Buckland Sports

  Also see: AC Car Reviews | The History of AC (AUS Edition)
 
The AC Buckland Sports was an elegant five seater tourer fitted with a sweet 1991cc engine, first shown at the 1952 London Motor Show.
1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider
Italy

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider

  Also see: Alfa Romeo Car Reviews | The History of Alfa Romeo
 
1952 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider, which was fitted with a 1900cc engine. Purely developed as a publicity exercise, it was designed by Touring to bring the Alfa Romeo name back into the headlines.
1952 Allard M2X Drophead Coupe
UK

Allard M2X Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Allard Car Reviews | The History of Allard
 
The Allard M2X Drophead Coupe was introduced in November 1951. and based on the P1 Saloon (introduced 1949) but with an 'A' -shaped radiator grille and floor-mounted gear-change. This model-powered by a Ford V8 3·6-liter engine was very much in the Allard tradition. An Armstrong Siddeley Whitley modified version of the J2 called the J2X was also announced for 1952. The 'X' indicated that in the front suspension arrangement the radius arms were ahead of the front axle.
1952 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley Six-Light Saloon
UK

Armstrong Siddeley Whitley Six-Light Saloon

  Also see: The History of Armstrong Siddeley
 
The Armstrong Siddeley Whitley six-light Saloon joined the four-light version (see 1950) in March 1952. This later version had rear quarter lights added to give extra visibility and the rear of the car was rearranged to provide better leg room. The Lancaster Saloon was discontinued in March 1952.
1952 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire
UK

Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire

  Also see: The History of Armstrong Siddeley
 

The 346 was the first of the Sapphires introduced late in 1952 for sale in 1953 and continuing until 1958. The six-cylinder 3,435 cc engine had hemi-spherical combustion chambers and could have optional twin Stromberg carburetors (£25 extra) which increased the output from 125 to 150 bhp (93 to 112 kW) giving a top speed in excess of 100 mph (161 km/h). The front suspension was independent coil springs with a rigid axle and leaf springs at the rear. The Girling hydraulic brakes used 11 inch (279 mm) drums all round. The body was available as a four or six-light (two or three windows on each side) at the same cost and with either a bench or individual front seats. The seats were finished in leather, with the dashboard and door-cappings in walnut veneer. A heater was standard. It was introduced with the choice of a Wilson electrically-controlled finger-tip four-speed pre-selector gearbox as a £30 option, or four-speed synchromesh gearbox. It became available with automatic transmission (Rolls Royce four-speed) with the introduction of the Mark II in 1954.

1952 Aston Martin DB2 Saloon
UK

Aston Martin DB2 Saloon

  Also see: Aston Martin Car Reviews | The History of Aston Martin
 
The Aston Martin DB2 Saloon. Models from October 1951 were distinguishable by the one-piece radiator and brake duct grille. In 1952 a, privately-owned DB2 came third in the Le Mans 3-liter class and seventh overall.
1952 Aston Martin DB3 Sports Roadster
UK

Aston Martin DB3 Sports Roadster

  Also see: Aston Martin Car Reviews | The History of Aston Martin
 
The Aston Martin DB3 Sports Roadster was a limited-production model, sold primarily for competition work and powered by a six-cylinder 2580cc (2922cc from late 1952) double-OHV engine driving through a five-speed gearbox coupled to a DeDion type rear axle. A factory-entered DB3 won the Nine-hour Race at Goodwood in 1952 - the model's first major victory.
1952 Austin A30 Model AS3 Saloon
UK

Austin A30 Model AS3 Saloon

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
 
The Austin A30 Model AS3 Saloon started its successful production run in October 1951. Of conventional layout it featured an 803-cc 28-bhp, OHV Four engine, four-speed gearbox, hypoid-bevel final-drive, coil-spring independent front suspension (IFS) and semiielliptic leaf-spring rear suspension, and was the first Austin to use the chassisless integral construction format. Although a four-door car, two-door models were introduced later - rear seat entry was difficult and occupation cramped. It sold at £529 and was initially designated Austin Seven.
1952 Austin Austin A40 Somerset
UK

Austin A40 Somerset

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
 
The Austin A40 Somerset Model GS4 Saloon was introduced in February 1952. Virtually a scaled-down version of the A70 Hereford this model was mechanically similar to the preceding A40 Devon (1948-52), but with various detail improvements including a slight increase in bhp (42 v. 40) from the 1200-cc engine. The new body styling was well planned with wider rear doors giving better access to rear seats, more passenger space and better soundproofing.
1952 Austin A40 Somerset Coupe
UK

Austin A40 Somerset Coupe

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
 
The Austin A40 Somerset Model GD5 Drophead Coupe joined the saloon in August 1952. It had similar dimensions to the saloon except that the overall height was slightly less. The top could be used in three positions, i.e. fully raised, 'coupe de ville' or stowed behind the rear seat. The rear quarter windows could be swivelled down into the body sides.
1952 Austin A40 Somerset Sports Convertible
UK

Austin A40 Somerset Sports Convertible

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
  Page Under Construction
1952 Austin A70 Hereford Model 8D3 Drophead Coupe
UK

Austin A70 Hereford Model 8D3 Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
 
The Austin A70 Hereford Model 8D3 Drophead Coupe looked much like its A40 counterpart but was larger It was discontinued in July.
1952 Austin A70 Countryman
UK

Austin A70 Countryman

  Also see: Austin Car Reviews | The History of Austin (AUS Edition)
  Page Under Construction
1952 Bentley Mark VI Saloon
UK

Bentley Mark VI Saloon

  Also see: Bentley Car Reviews | The History of Bentley
 
The Bentley Mark VI Saloon underwent its first significant change since its introduction in 1946. The cylinder bore size was increased to 92 mm in October 1951 so giving the engine a 4566-cc cubic capacity. The model shown is a Drophead Coupe by Park Ward & Co. Ltd.
1952 Cisitalia 202D
Italy

Cisitalia 202D

  Also see: Cisitalia Car Reviews | The History of Cisitilia (AUS Edition)
 
1952 Cisitalia 202D, which raded in the 1952 Mille Miglia. The car was powered by an overhead-camshaft BPM marine engine, via a gearbox in the unit with the de Dion rear axle. Cisitalia claimed a power output of 160 bhp and a top speed of 137 mph for the car, but it was not enough to save the marque.
1952 Daimler Regency Saloon
UK

Daimler Regency Saloon

  Also see: Daimler Car Reviews | The History of Daimler (AUS Edition)
 
The Daimler Regency Saloon was announced at the London Motor Show in October 1951. It was a 90-bhp 3-liter-engined, luxury four-door model with modern lines but nevertheless traditionally very much a Daimler. It was built primarily as a result of the strong overseas demand for a large capacity car with good ground clearance, plus six-seater accommodation well hidden by graceful body styling. Surprisingly, only a few of these versions were built. A 3½-liter Regency Mark II did, however, go into production late in 1954.
1952 Daimler 3-Litre Convertible Coupe
UK

Daimler 3-liter Convertible Coupe

  Also see: Daimler Car Reviews | The History of Daimler (AUS Edition)
 
Daimler 3-liter Convertible Coupe, a Barker-bodied, two-door luxury model built on the 2952-cc Regency chassis in 1952. Engine performance was increased by the use of an aluminum cylinder head and a higher compression ratio which pushed its output up to 100 bhp at 4200 rpm. Features of this model included twin fuel tankssone beneath each rear wing-and power-operated top, windows and luggage boot lid. Only a few were ever built.
1952 Dellow Mark III Sports Tourer
UK

Dellow Mark III Sports Tourer

   
 
The Dellow Mark III Sports Tourer, a four-seater model, was introduced in April 1952. Based on the two-seater but with a 1-foot longer wheelbase; the body was 7 in longer and 2 in wider. Full hood (top) and sidescreens were provided and the sidelamps were moved to the wings. The handiness and feel were somewhat reduced on the four-seater-the turning circle, for example went up by almost 4 feet. Sold at £774.
1952 Ford Consul Model EOTA Saloon
UK

Ford Consul Model EOTA Saloon

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
 
The Ford Consul Model EOTA Saloon was a carryover from 1951. ln September 1952 the dashboard was revised and the instruments centred round the steering column. Shown in the background is Anne Hathaway's Cottage - the home of Shakespeare's wife in Stratford, Avon.
1952 Ford Consul and Zephyr Six Drophead Coupes
UK

Ford Consul and Zephyr Six Drophead Coupes

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
 
The Ford Consul and Zephyr Six Drophead Coupes were mechanically similar to their respective saloon versions. These two-door models had a folding top which could be power-operated to the halfway position: manual operation was required to close it fully or to take it back to this position. Unlike the saloons, they had a divided front seat, each section being separately adjustable with a tilting squab.
1952 Ford Pilot V8
UK

Ford Pilot V8

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
 
The Ford Pilot V8 was officially discontinued the previous year but this is an export model that was supplied in 1952. Fitted with Shooting Brake bodywork it was based on the commercial pickup chassis/cab with 3·89 axle ratio and rod/cable rear brakes.
1952 Ford Prefect
UK

Ford Prefect

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
  Page Under Construction
1952 Ford Prefect Anglia
UK

Ford Prefect Anglia

  Also see: Ford UK Car Reviews | The History of Ford
  Page Under Construction
1952 Healey 3-Litre Sports Convertible Series G
UK

Healey 3-liter Sports Convertible Series G

  Also see: Austin-Healey Car Reviews
 
The Healey 3-liter Sports Convertible (Series G) with Alvis engine and gearbox had similar body styling to the earlier Nash-Healey Sports Roadster which was made for and sold on the export market during 1950-52 (a modified version followed up until the end of 1954). Popularly known as the Alvis-Healey, it had a two/three-seater Healey-built body with full weather equipment. The 2993-cc power unit developed 106 bhp at 4200 rpm. Only 25 were built.
1952 Healey Abbott Drophead Coupe
UK

Healey Abbott Drophead Coupe

  Also see: Austin-Healey Car Reviews
 
The Healey Abbott Drophead Coupe was a two-door soft-top version of the Tickford Saloon. From approximately November 1951 onwards it was built on an F-type chassis. Only 77 were made (1950-54).
1952 Hillman Minx Mark V Saloon
UK

Hillman Minx Mark V Saloon

  Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition)
 
The Hillman Minx Mark V Saloon replaced the Mark IV in October 1951, the only visible differences being chrome side strips along the body, side pieces on the radiator grille, plated stoneguards on the rear wings and improved bumpers. Various interior and mechanical modifications were also made. Shown are actors Anne Todd and Nigel Patrick beside a Mark V Minx in a scene from the famous David Lean Cineguild film production 'The Sound Barrier'.
1952 Humber Pullman Mark III and Imperial Mark III
UK

Humber Pullman Mark III and Imperial Mark III

  Also see: Hillman Car Reviews | The History of Hillman (AUS Edition)
 
The Humber Pullman Mark III and Imperial Mark III were similar in most respects Wheelbase was 10ft 11 in, engine a 100-bhp 4-liter OHV Six Both were eight-seaters, bodied by Thrupp & Maberly. Other contemporary Humbers were the Hawk Mark IV and Super Snipe Mark Ill.
1952 Jensen Interceptor Saloon
UK

Jensen Interceptor Saloon

  Also see: Jensen Car Reviews | The History of Jensen
 
The Jensen Interceptor Saloon was a hardtop version of the Interceptor Cabriolet, with fabric covered roof and fixed quarter windows, The Saloon had extra leg room because the rear seat was located farther back than on the Cabriolet which had to accommodate the hood (top) recess.
1952 Jowett Jupiter
UK

Jowett Jupiter

  Also see: Jowett Car Reviews | The History of Jowett
 
The Jowett company-founded by Benjamin and William Jowett and A. V. Lamb on £30-had completed fifty years. The successful Jupiter was continued with detail modifications including a redesigned fascia/instrument panel. Pictured left is a production-bodied Jupiter.
1949
UK

Jowett Jupiter

  Also see: Jowett Car Reviews | The History of Jowett
 
A special-bodied Jowett Jupiter version by J. J. Armstrong of Carlisle. Other specialist coachbuilders also adapted the Jupiter chassis, including Abbott of Farnham, J. E. Farr & Son of Blackburn and Richard Meade of Knowle. Warwicks.
1952 Lanchester Leda Series LJ201 Saloon
UK

Lanchester Leda Series LJ201 Saloon

  Also see: The History of Lanchester
 
The Lanchester Leda Series LJ201 Saloon was introduced April 1952. solely for the export market. Externally identical to the Fourteen it differed in having an all-steel instead of the wood and metal construction of the regular Barker-bodied models. It was discontinued in April 1953.
1952 Mercedes-Benz 170
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 170

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 170 D
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 170 D

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 170 DS
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 170 DS

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 170 V
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 170 V

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 220
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 220

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster
Germany

Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster

  Also see: Mercedes-Benz Car Reviews | The History of Mercedes-Benz
  Page Under Construction
1952 MG 1¼-Litre Series YB Saloon
UK

MG 1¼-liter Series YB Saloon

  Also see: MG Car Reviews | The MG Story | The History of MG
 
The MG 1¼-liter Series YB Saloon superseded the 1947-51 Series Y model for 1952. The only major change was the fitting of a hypoid rear axle in place of the spiral bevel type. It was powered by a single-carburetor version of the popular MG 1250-cc OHV engine and featured as standard a sliding roof and an opening windscreen. It was discontinued in the summer of 1953.
1952 Morgan Plus Four Four-Seater Tourer
UK

Morgan Plus Four Four-Seater Tourer

  Also see: Morgan Car Reviews | The History of Morgan
 
The Morgan Plus Four, Four-Seater Tourer was an addition to the existing range (Tourer and Coupe). Generally similar to the two-seater sports models it differed mainly by having two extra seats, with the petrol tank carried beneath, a single spare wheel (two on the Sports) and a single 12-volt battery under the bonnet.
1952 Morris Oxford MO Traveller Estate
UK

Morris Oxford MO Traveller Estate

  Also see: Morris Car Reviews and The History of Morris (AUS Edition)
 
The Morris Oxford MO Traveller Estate Car made its appearance in September 1952 and is shown with the then current radiator grille. From October all Oxford models had a restyled grille with two horizontal bars. The Traveller had the same 1476-cc side-valve engine as the contemporary Oxford Saloon. Other Morris cars at this time were the Minor, which in late 1952 received an OHV engine (Series II), and the 2·2-liter Model MS Six.
1952 Riley 1.5 Litre
UK

Riley RME 1.5 liter

  Also see: Riley Car Reviews | The History of Riley
 
The RME was an updated RMA. It still used the 1.5 L four and featured a fully hydraulic braking system. The body had an enlarged rear window with curved glass and from 1954 no running boards. To improve acceleration the rear axle ratio was changed from 4.89:1 to 5.125:1. Produced from 1952, it was replaced by the Riley One-Point-Five in 1955. An RME tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 24.2 miles per imperial gallon (11.7 L/100 km; 20.2 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1,339 including taxes.
1952 Riley 2.5 Litre
UK

Riley RMF 2.5 liter

  Also see: Riley Car Reviews | The History of Riley
 
The RMF replaced the big RMB limousine in 1952. It shared that car's 2.5 liter "Big Four" engine as well as the mechanical updates from the RME. The RMH Riley Pathfinder, last of the Riley "Big Fours", and thus considered to be the last "real" Riley by purists, took its place after 1953 and continued in production until 1957.
1952 Rover 75 Series P4 Saloon
UK

Rover 75 Series P4 Saloon

  Also see: Rover Car Reviews | The History of Rover (AUS Edition)
 
Modifications for the 1952 season included a neater frontal appearance with a new vertical-slat radiator grille-the central fog lamp was deleted-flanked by headlamps mounted in circular instead of square recesses in the wing valances, with the sidelamps located atop the wings. The size of the rear window was increased. The 2103-cc six-cylinder engine had overhead inlet and inclined side exhaust valves and produced 75 bhp at 4200 rpm.
1952 Riley 2.5 Litre
France

Simca 9 Aronde

  Also see: Simca Car Reviews | The History of Simca
 
The Simca 9 Aronde had independent suspension at the front using coil springs, with a live axle at the rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Hydraulically operated 9.85 in (250 mm) drum brakes were used all round. A car tested in France by the British Motor magazine in 1951 had a top speed of 73.9 mph (118.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 30.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 34.1 miles per imperial gallon (8.28 L/100 km; 28.4 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car was reported to cost 970 Francs on the French market. It was not at the time available in the UK but the price was converted to £657.
1952 Singer SM 1500 Saloon
UK

Singer SM 1500 Saloon

  Also see: Singer Car Reviews | The History of Singer
 
The Singer SM 1500 Saloon continued virtually unchanged from previous year, during which the interior had received a face-lift and the engine was given a reduction in stroke (89 v. 90 mm) to bring it under the 1500-cc rating (1497 v. 1506 cc) This engine modification also applied to the export-only Roadster. The SM1500 Saloon was originally introduced in 1948 and continued until 1954. In January 1952 the headlamps were raised.
1952 Skoda 1200
Czechoslovakia

Skoda 1200

  Also see: Skoda Car Reviews | The History of Skoda (AUS Edition)
   
1952 Skoda 1200
Czechoslovakia

Skoda 1200

  Also see: Skoda Car Reviews | The History of Skoda (AUS Edition)
   
1952 Standard Vanguard Series 20S Saloon
UK

Standard Vanguard Series 20S Saloon

  Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard
 
The Standard Vanguard Series 20S Saloon was given something of an external face-lift for 1952 with the adoption of a slightly lower bonnet line, a wide almost rectangular chrome-plated air-intake with a central horizontal bar, a wider rear window and push button door handles.
1952 Standard Vanguard Estate
UK

Standard Vanguard Estate

  Also see: Standard Car Reviews | The History of Standard
 
The Standard Vanguard Estate for 1952 received the same face-lift as the Saloon (see 34D). Known as the Phase I models, this range was superseded by revised Phase II models early in 1953.
1952 Triumph Renown Limousine
UK

Triumph Renown Limousine

  Also see: Triumph Car Reviews | The History of Triumph
 
In 1951 a limousine version of the Triumph Renown was announced, with an extra 3 in (76 mm) in the wheelbase. A division (glass partition) was placed behind the driver separating the front and back of the car. A radio and heater were fitted as standard. A limousine with overdrive tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 77.5 mph (124.7 km/h) slightly quicker than they had recorded 2 years earlier for the saloon and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 25.0 seconds. The reported fuel consumption was 21.6 miles per imperial gallon (13.1 L/100 km; 18.0 mpg-US). The test car cost £1440 including taxes. 190 were made.
1952 Vauxhall Velox Model EIP Saloon
UK

Vauxhall Velox Model EIP Saloon

  Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews
 
The. Vauxhall Velox (Model EIP) and Wyvern (Model EIX) Saloons, announced in August 1951, were the first really new post-war Vauxhall models. They featured full-width body styling, curved windscreen, 8 ft 7 in wheelbase and coil spring and wishbone independent front suspension. All doors were hinged at their front edges and had pushbutton catches.
1952 Vauxhall Wyvern Model EIX Saloon
UK

Vauxhall Wyvern Model EIX Saloon

  Also see: Vauxhall Car Reviews
 
The four-cylinder 1½-liter-engined Wyvern was distinguished externally from the six-cylinder 2¼-liter-engined Velox by having wheels finished in body colors (cream on Velox) body-coloured flashes on the front wings (chromium on Velox) and different badges As before the body was of unitary construction but separate chassis were produced for export to Australia where locally-made Tourer bodywork was fitted The bonnet could be opened from either side or removed altogether (until June 1953 when an alligator-type bonnet was introduced).
Latest Classic Car Classifieds


back
Unique Cars and Parts USA - The Ultimate Classic Car Resource
next