Vauxhall Big Six
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Vauxhall BX/BY and BYL
- Vauxhall GY and GL
Australia
| Vauxhall Big 6 | |
|---|---|
 1935 Vauxhall BX Big-Six Australia | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Vauxhall and Holden |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1934 to 1940 |
| Assembly | England Australia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
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| Length |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Vauxhall Silent Eighty Vauxhall Cadet |
The Vauxhall Big 6 is a name given to a series of automobiles which was produced by Vauxhall in England from 1934 to 1940.[2] Rolling chassis were also bodied in Australia.
Based on a lengthened 111 in (2,819 mm) version of the Vauxhall Cadet the new car had a conventional chassis with semi-elliptical leaf springs all round and Vauxhall-Lovejoy hydraulic dampers. Wire-spoked wheels were fitted. Compared with the Cadet, the engine was mounted further forwards. To satisfy the demand for larger coach-built bodies there was the BXL model, a long wheelbase, 130 in (3,302 mm) version. Two engines were offered, both six-cylinders. The larger engine with a tax horsepower rating of 27 had a capacity of 3180 cc and was based on the VY Cadet, but with an improved cylinder head and 5.6:1 compression ratio. It had a bore of 81 mm and stroke of 95 mm. The smaller, 20 HP, 2393 cc had a reduced bore of 73 mm and produced 52 bhp (39 kW) at 3900 rpm. The power was transmitted to the rear axle via a single-plate clutch to a 4-speed gearbox, with "silent third" and synchromesh on 3rd & 4th gears. Twelve volt electrics were fitted.
An unusual feature unique to the Big Six was the "Pedomatic" starting system. To start the car the accelerator pedal had to be depressed which switched on the starter motor. After the engine started the vacuum in the inlet manifold disengaged the starter motor. The Vauxhall Big Six was similarly styled to the contemporary 1934 Chevrolet Master.[3]
The factory standard six light saloon was well fitted out with leather upholstery and lots of wood trimmings. All the windows used "Triplex" toughened glass. Other bodies which appeared in Vauxhall's own brochure included the Hurlingham coupé built by Grosvenor, and the Rye cabriolet, and Denton and Romney coupés by Martin Walker. In 1934 a 7-seater Newmarket saloon was added to the range. In 1935 several changes including a re-designed radiator grille painted in body colour, the spare wheel mounted on the wing got a cover and the front seats were redesigned. The chassis was also supplied to external coachbulders including Salmons.
The launch price for the standard saloon was GBP325 and the most expensive car in the range, the long-wheelbase limousine was GBP550.
A 27 HP BY was tested by The Motor magazine in 1934 and achieved a top speed of 72 mph (116 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph in 28 seconds. Autocar magazine tested the 20 HP BX in 1936 and recorded 0–60 in 36.5 seconds. They did not record an actual top speed but stated that it would exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
3788 BY/BX and 796 BXL cars were produced.[2]
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