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.[1]
| Powerdrive | |
|---|---|
 Powerdrive microcar | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Powerdrive Ltd |
| Model years | November 1955 - February 1957 |
| Assembly | Wood Green, London |
| Designer | David Gottlieb |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | microcar |
| Body style | 2-door convertible |
| Layout | RMR |
| Related | Coronet (automobile) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Anzani 322 cc (20 cu in) twin-cylinder Two-stroke engine. |
| Transmission | 3-speed and reverse manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) [1] |
| Length | 12 ft 0 in (3.66 m) [1] |
| Width | 4 ft 8.5 in (1.435 m) [1] |
| Kerb weight | 8 long cwt (410 kg)[1] |
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.[2] 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.[3] The car's design and styling attracted much praise at its launch at the Dorchester Hotel in London in July 1955.[4][5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "The 322cc Two-Stroke Powerdrive". Motor Cycling. 13 December 1956.
- ^ Marshall, Tony (1999). "4". Microcars. Stroud: Sutton Publishing Limited. p. 72. ISBN 0-7509-2082-3.
- ^ Zeichner, Walter (1990). Kleinwagen International. Gerlingen: Bleicher Verlag. p. 190. ISBN 3-88350-160-3.
- ^ "Daily Mirror: July 30, 1955 Edition". Daily Mirror. 30 July 1955. p. 5.
- ^ "Daily Express: July 30, 1955 Edition". Daily Express. 30 July 1955. p. 5.