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1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type

The Vauxhall Model 30/98 was introduced in 1913 as a much improved, faster, and more practical evolution of the Prince Henry. After a handful (approximately 13) of examples were built, the outbreak of World War I interrupted production. When manufacture resumed in 1919, the model was given the designation 'E-Type' and was produced through September 1922 with 287 examples built. After a brief hiatus, its successor was introduced - the overhead-valve 'OE' with deliveries commencing in early 1923. The 'OE' had a smaller, 4.2-liter displacement engine than its predecessor, but the OHV motor delivered more power, up to 110 bhp. Front-wheel brakes were added near the close of 1923 when a cable system was introduced. The front wheel brakes and the transmission brake were operated by the foot pedal. In 1926, hydraulic actuation of the front-wheel and transmission brakes was adopted. Production of the OE engine in early 1927 with approximately 312 examples constructed.

1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type photo
Velox Tourer
Chassis #: OE180
Engine #: OE180
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
Joseph Higginson
Joseph Higginson was a motorsport competitor, a car dealer, and the inventor of the Autovac fuel lifter. On June 7th, 1913, he won the Shelsley Walsh hill-climb motoring competition driving the first 30-98 which had been constructed per his request.

The Vauxhall 30–98
Although the first example was built for competition, the 30-98 was built as a capable and fast-touring automobile, capable of achieving 100 mph at Brooklands. It used the 114-inch wheelbase Prince Henry chassis, with slight modifications, and a flater shaped radiator instead of the previous V-shaped unit. The ladder-type chassis had a separate subframe for the engine and the suspension was via semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers, and a live rear axle.

Power was sourced from the Prince Henry L-head side-valve engine that chief engineer Laurence Pomeroy modified with high lift cams, new tappet clearances, increasing its bore by 3 mm, and cold-stretching the crankshaft throws 5 mm using a steam power hammer to lengthen the stroke. The camshaft was given a new chain drive at the front of the engine. It displaced 4,525cc, had five main bearings, pressure-fed lubrication, a single Zenith carburetor, and delivered 90 horsepower at 3,000 RPM. The transmission was a four-speed unit with right-hand change and a 3.08:1 straight-cut bevel rear axle.

1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type photo
Velox Tourer
Chassis #: OE180
Engine #: OE180
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
The engine delivered 30 bhp at 1,000 RPM and 98 horsepower at 3,000 RPM, which may have been the source of the name (30-98). Another theory is that it had an RAC horsepower rating of 30 and a cylinder bore of 98 mm. Perhaps it was named 30-98 to counter Mercede's popular 38/90 model?

The narrow four-seater coachwork, known as Velox, was formed from lightweight alloy, was devoid of doors, and wore a pair of alloy wings to protect from mud, dirt and debris.

Thirteen examples were built before World War I ended production, with the final example built in 1915 for Percy Kidner, a joint managing director (CEO) of Vauxhall.

Post World War I
From 1919 through 1922, a total of 261 examples of the 30-98 were built. Customers could customize their new vehicle with the addition of an electric starter for an additional £50, a plain polished aluminum bonnet, or a painted bonnet. Additionally, a clock, speedometer, full tool kit, number plates, electric lighting, and a spare wheel and tire could be optioned for no additional cost.

1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type photo
Velox Tourer
Chassis #: OE180
Engine #: OE180
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
In 1920, the Vauxhall catalog included a Velox featherweight coupé with seating for two, a chauffeur's dicky seat, a V-shaped windscreen, and an electric lamp in the roof. The example shown at the Scottish Motor Show wore a dark blue and black (dark blue on the lower portion and black above) paint scheme, a polished aluminum bonnet, nickel fittings, and a walnut instrument panel with companion lockers. The interior was upholstered in blue Morocco leather with matching carpet, head lining, silk cords and laces. The silk blinds with tassels used a lighter blue color scheme. The production versions of the Velox featherweight coupe did not receive many of the unique and special body fittings applied to the show car.

The OE
The Vauxhall OE was introduced in 1922 and rested atop a 118-inch wheelbase chassis and was three inches wider. The updated engine had overhead valves, a detachable cylinder head, a displacement size of 4,224cc (the stroke was returned to its original length), and produced 115 horsepower at 3,300 RPM. The electric lighting now included six lamps, and an instrument board lamp and gauges. There was now a bulb horn and an electric horn. In 1923, the straight-cut back axle gear was replaced by a spiral bevel with a higher 3.3:1 reduction ratio. Rear axle torque was transferred via a banjo-shaped torque arm alongside the propellor shaft. Near the close of 1923, four-wheel brakes became available, initially by Bowden double-cable but hydraulically from 1926. Most examples had steel drums with a riveted cast iron liner, but some examples received finned alloy drums with a riveted cast iron liner.

Along with the Velox and Velox featherweight coupé bodies, Vauxhall offered the Wensum body style beginning in 1924. It was a factory-built 'ultra-sporting body' with a boat-tailed styled rear end, flared wings, and open two or three-passenger seating. The name 'Wensum' was chosen for the River Wensum near Norwich, where works manager A.J. Hancock kept a motorboat.

Along with factory coachwork, Vauxhall made the rolling chassis available to customers who wanted to clothe their vehicles to unique designs and specifications.

Production of the OE continued through 1927, with a total of 313 units built.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2023

Related Reading : Vauxhall 30/98 History

Alexander Wilson founded the company in Vauxhall, London in 1857. Originally it was named Alex Wilson and Company, then Vauxhall Iron Works. The company built pumps and marine engines. In 1903, the company built its first car, a five horsepower model steered using a tiller, with two forward gears and no reverse gear. In 1925, Vauxhall was bought by GM for %242.5 million. The performance era of Vauxhall....
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1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type Vehicle Profiles

1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type vehicle information
Velox Tourer

Chassis #: OE180
Engine #: OE180

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

30/98OE

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
118.00 in.
4 cyl., 257.83 CID., 112.00hp
117.50 in.
4 cyl., 256.30 CID., 115.00hp

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