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The first Coles were typical high-wheelers powered by oversquare 14hp air-cooled flat-twin engines, but in 1910 the Cole car company turned to a straightforward in-line four of 30hp, with pair-cast cylinders, dual ignition, a cone clutch, a 3-speed gearbox, and a shaft drive, retailing at $1.500. Electric lights and a starter were standardized in 1913 on Cole cars, when a big 7.3-litre six was added to the range. Cole-built engines were still used in 1914, coil ignition and left-hand steering now featured, and the four ran to 4.8-litres. Both this and the Cole 6-60 survived into 1916, although for the last two years Northway were responsible for the 6-cylinder engine. They also provided engines for the 1915 new Cole car model, a 5.4-litre V8 destined to be the staple type from 1917 onwards. This unit had detachable heads and semi-pressure lubcriaction, and wheelbase was 10ft 7in. Price rose from $1.595 in 1916 to $2.395 in 1918, in spite of which Cole managed to sell 5.000 cars in 1919, their best performance. Cole cars of the early 1920s were noted for their unusual closed bodies (octagonal rear quarter windows were a feature), and nomenclature was also peculiar (‘tourosine’, ‘brouette’). The Cole car company claimed to be pioneers of balloon tyres, which they adopted in 1924, but though the cars also wore Westinghouse air springs, 4-wheel brakes were never factory equipment. To the end the Cole Aero Eight retained a cone clutch.
Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; MCS
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