Powerdrive

Powerdrive
Powerdrive microcar
Overview
ManufacturerPowerdrive Ltd
Model yearsNovember 1955 - February 1957
AssemblyWood Green, London
DesignerDavid Gottlieb
Body and chassis
Classmicrocar
Body style2-door convertible
LayoutRMR
RelatedCoronet (automobile)
Powertrain
EngineAnzani 322 cc (20 cu in) twin-cylinder Two-stroke engine.
Transmission3-speed and reverse manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase8 ft 8 in (2.64 m)
Length12 ft 0 in (3.66 m)
Width4 ft 8.5 in (1.435 m)
Kerb weight8 long cwt (410 kg)

The Powerdrive was a three-wheeled microcar with a rear-mounted 322 cc (20 cu in) Anzani two cylinder, two stroke 16.5 metric horsepower (12 kW) engine.

The car was designed by David Gottlieb, whose Powerdrive company had previously worked with the Allard Motor Company on the development of the abortive Allard Clipper. Like the Clipper, the Powerdrive was devised to exploit the lower tax rate then applicable in the UK to three wheeled vehicles weighing less than 8 long cwt (410 kg). Physically, the Powerdrive was larger than other cars in this class, with full-size 13-inch wheels and a large amount of luggage space at both the front and rear. The car's design and styling attracted much praise at its launch at the Dorchester Hotel in London in July 1955.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "The 322cc Two-Stroke Powerdrive". Motor Cycling. 13 December 1956.
  2. ↑ Marshall, Tony (1999). "4". Microcars. Stroud: Sutton Publishing Limited. p. 72. ISBN 0-7509-2082-3.
  3. ↑ Zeichner, Walter (1990). Kleinwagen International. Gerlingen: Bleicher Verlag. p. 190. ISBN 3-88350-160-3.
  4. ↑ "Daily Mirror: July 30, 1955 Edition". Daily Mirror. 30 July 1955. p. 5.
  5. ↑ "Daily Express: July 30, 1955 Edition". Daily Express. 30 July 1955. p. 5.