466 Railton Eight Cobham Saloon (1938) FPH 386 by Robert Knight Via Flickr: Railton Eight Cobham Saloon (1937-39) Engine 4168cc S8 SV Registration Number FPH 386 (Surrey) RAILTON ALBUM www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72157626766733136/ Railton was a marque of British automobiles made by Fairmile Engineering Company in Cobham, Surrey, between 1933 and 1940. The cars were the first combination of English coachwork with a U.S.-made engine and running gear. The company was started by Noel Macklin, who was looking for a new car-making venture after he sold his Invicta company in 1933. The name came from Reid Railton, the world speed record car designer, but his input was probably small, although he did receive a royalty on each car sold. The two decided that an English coachwork on a U.S.-built chassis with a powerful engine would result in a high-performance driving car. The first generation of Railton Eight was launched in 1933, as a Tourer and Drophead Coupe, was made by fitting a British body made by coachbuilder John Charles & Co to a 4010 cc, 100 bhp 8 cylinder Hudson Terraplane chassis, described as the Shelby Cobra of its day. Being lighter than the original, it had exceptional performance for the time, at the very affordable price of Β£ 499 for the Saloon. In 1935, the original Terraplane chassis was replaced with that of the Hudson Special Eight chassis on a 120 or 127 inch wheelbase, with hydraulic brakes and from late 1936 12 volt electrics. The engine was now 4168 cc, producing 113 bhp A more comprehensive range of bodies from at least seven coachbuilders were available from the likes of Ranalah, R.E.A.L, Carbodies, and Coachcraft A third generation Railton Eight was launched for model years 1937-39 utilising the 122 and 129 inch wheelbase Hudson Deluxe chassis it retained the 4168cc straight eight, side valve engine now with 124hp. The Eight came in a wide range of bodies and styles, such as the Sandown Saloon, Cobham Saloon, Stratton Saloon, University Limousine, Claremont Drophead, Fairmile Drophead Coupe, and Carrington Drophead Coupe.. The Railton had began to put on weight, so much so that the Cobham was no longer faster than the standard Hudson Eight. All cars came with the three speed box and remote gear change, but were still great value for money staring with the Sandown Saloon at Β£ 498 Diolch am 96,761,159 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr. Thanks for 96,761,159 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated. Shot 07.08.2022, at the VSCC Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Prescott, Gloucestershire REF 162-466
