Armstrong-Whitworth

GB, 1906 – 1915

Sir W.G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co Ltd, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

This famous North Country engineering firm had previously manufactured the Wilson-Pilcher car, which was still being made in 1904-1905. The first Armstrong-Whitworth as such appeared in 1906, with T-headed oversquare 4-cylinder engines, low-tension magneto ignition, 4-speed gearboxes and shaft drive. By 1908 production was concentrated on a solid 7.7-litre 40 costing £789 in chassis form, this being joined a year later by a smaller Armstrong-Whitworth 18/22 of 3.4-litres’ capacity with a 5-bearing crankshaft. Pressure lubcrication and a Monobloc engine were features of the Armstrong-Whitworth company’s 191 2.4-litre model and the five types listed in 1912 ranged from a 2.7-litre Armstrong-Whitworth 15-20 up to a big 5.1-litre six with 4-speed gearbox, dual magneto ignition, a power tyre pump and optional electric lighting – the chassis cost £950. At the outbreak of World War 1 Armstrong-Whitworth were marketing three L-head fours, the biggest of which was a 3.8-litre Armstrong-Whitworth 30/40 with a 10ft 6in wheelbase, as well as an enlarged 5.7-litre version of their 6-cylinder Armstrong-Whitworth 30/50. Their solid reputation and workmanship was transferred after the war to the Armstong Siddeleys produced as a result of the merger with Siddeley-Deasy of Coventry, though no more cars were built at the Newcastle factory.
 
   
Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; MCS

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