| Autovia | |
|---|---|
.jpg) limousine byArthur Mulliner EYX 464 registered September 1938 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Autovia Cars Limited,[note 1] Ordnance Works, Midland Road, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5DX |
| Production | 1937-1938, public sales starting 1936[1][2] 44 made |
| Designer | Charles van Eugen |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large luxury |
| Body style | chassis 4-light sports saloon 6-light saloon limousine[2] |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | (engine) Riley 1½-litre I4 Riley 8/90 2¼-litre V8[3] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2,849 cc (174 cu in)V8 |
| Transmission | single dry-plate clutch to a 4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on all speedsor automatic clutch and 4-speed preselective gearbox divided propeller shaft, back section in a torque tube final drive by underhung worm is housed in a banjo-type casing[2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 129 in (3,277 mm)[4] Track 56.5 in (1,435 mm) |
| Length | 175.5 in (4,458 mm) 183 in (4,648 mm)[4] |
| Width | 71 in (1,803 mm)[4] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | none |
| Successor | none |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Production | 44 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 90° V8 |
| Displacement | 2,849 cubic centimetres (174 cu in)[2] |
| Cylinder bore | 69.5 mm (2.74 in)[2] |
| Piston stroke | 95.25 mm (3.750 in)[2] |
| Valvetrain | inclined at 90° overhead valves worked by pushrods from three camshafts[2][5] |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | twinZenith downdraught carburettors with a balance pipe and hot-spot fed from a 16 gallon tank at the back, ignition by magneto with automatic advance mounted vertically towards the rear of the V[2][5] |
| Cooling system | a water pump is mounted either side of the timing case. The radiator has a fan and thermostatically controlled shutters. The sump is ribbed at the sides[2][5] |
| Output | |
| Power output | 99 bhp @ 4,700 rpm[3] Tax rating 23.8hp[2] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Riley 8/90 2¼-litre 90°V8[3] |
| Successor | none |
_limousine_EYX_464.jpg)
Autovia was a short lived brand of British cars fromCoventry existing from 1935 to 1938 with production starting in January 1937.[2] Created byRiley to target the luxury market, the venture was ambitious and even included setting up a school forchauffeurs. The cars were expensive, however, and it was a market sector already well served by other companies. 44 cars were made.[6]
The company was created byRiley as a subsidiary to produce large luxury cars and a new factory was built. A 2849 cc 90-degree V-8, triple camshaft engine was developed from the Riley 8/90 engine but using the same bore as the1½-litre Riley engine.[7] This was coupled to apreselector unit bought fromArmstrong Siddeley. One car was fitted with a ZF 4-speed manual box. Drive was to the rear wheels through a live axle withworm gear final drive.
Three body types were advertised, a Sports saloon, a Special Saloon with extra leg room at the expense of boot space and alimousine mostly built byArthur Mulliner of Northampton who were London distributors. The car was also available as a bare chassis.
The venture failed when Riley went bankrupt. When they were taken over by theNuffield Organization Autovia was not resurrected and the assets were purchased by Jimmy James Ltd., a Riley distributor in London.[7]
There were thought to be eight of these cars remaining in 2008.[8]
The limousine was considered remarkable for its width being more than its overall height yet the floors were flat and a tunnel and wells avoided at the back. "The general low set helps stability" saidThe Times, "the models are well equipped, as they should be for the price".[2]
The underslung chassis frame permitted a low overall height and low floor line, for the saloon and limousine as well as the sporting model.[7]
In addition to the details in the adjacent box:
In a prior announcement 10 October 1936 Victor Riley revealed there would be two models available in addition to the bare chassis all with an automatic clutch, a preselective gearbox and a worm driven back axle. Prices would be:
The London distributors were Arthur Mulliner Limited of 54 Baker Street.[9]
