Rodley

The engine was a rear-mounted, direct driven impeller air-cooled 750 cc twin-cylinder unit made by JAP driving the rear wheels through a three-speed gearbox and chain to the axle which had a friction differential. The suspension was by independent coil springs at the front and underslung semi elliptic at the rear. Steering was by a chain system. Although the car was advertised as a four-seater and fitted with four seats, the rear ones, as might be expected in a microcar, were rather small and cramped. The fabric roof panel could be rolled forwards to give an opening roof. Although the production target was 50 cars a week, only 65 were ever built, and only one is believed to survive. It was at the time the cheapest four-wheel car available on the British market but rapidly acquired a very poor reputation, especially for overheating to the extent of catching fire.

• Name — Rodley 750 • Manufacturer — Rodley Automobile Company • Production — 1954-1956 • Class — microcar • Body Style — 2-door coupé 4-seater • Engine — 750 cc JAP • Transmission — 3-speed manual • Length — 109 in • Width — 55 in • Height — 59 in • Weight — 1090 lb • Wheelbase — 80 in (saloon) • Designer — Henry Brown