615 Trojan Utility (1925) YL 3979 by Robert Knight Via Flickr: Trojan Utility Car (1922-28) Engine 1488cc Two Stroke Registration Number YL 3979 (London) TROJAN ALBUM www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157625130155369... In 1914 Leslie Hounsfield founded the engineering Company Trojan Limited in a small workshop in Clapham London. Though they very soon moved to larger premises in Vicarage Road Croydon. As early as 1910 Leslie Hounsfield had designed an ingenious two stroke engine which could propel his prototype car to 13mph. Throughout the First World War the company concentrated manufactured gauges for the war effort but did carry on with vehicles development. After the war vehicle development continued but it was general engineering which kept the company going. By 1922 the development car was attracting the interest of Leyland, who were keen to manufacture such a car. A deal was struck giving Leyland manufacturing and marketing rights, of what was to become the Trojan Utility Car, the car powered by a 1527cc version of Hounsfields simple two stroke under floor engine, the cylinders were paired to aid scavenging. It was a simple car started by a lever working a ratchet and pawl mechanism. A lever gave the gear positions with no need for a clutch. The chassis was rigid, with very soft springing, the narrow solid tyres were adequate except had the habit of getting wedged in tram lines. Trojan claimed it was the - simplest car in the World and also claimed that driving one was cheaper than the cost of boot leather and socks. The cars did however prove a success, especially among the clergy and the cars were advertised in the Church times. By the time the agreement with Leyland expired in 1928 some 17,000 had been built. A modified car was released in 1920 with a smaller 1488 cc engine to bring it into the sub-1.5-litre class and with pneumatic tyres available as an option; the car was guaranteed for 5,000 miles. A major contract was agreed with Brooke Bond tea for delivery vans, making the car familiar all over Britain, and with a top speed of 38 mph drivers had little to worry about from the speed cops. The Utility car was joined by a a van version in 1928, with strong sales to the fleet market most notably Brooke Bond Tea who used them exclusively and the Post Office. In 1925 a larger car was introduced called the Three Door Tourer. This model had greater rear passenger space plus a single rear door on the off side and the option of pneumatic tyres. 1928 saw the introduction of this posher canvas bodied saloon car, known as the Achilles with a roll backed roof version the Apollo. Slightly more refined but still with a top speed of 35mph. Trojan was to continue for many years and in many guises, but that is a story for another time, util eventually closing the doors in 2013.posher canvas bodied saloon car, known as the Achilles with a roll backed roof version the Apollo Trojan was to continue for many years and many different guises, before finally closing their doors in 2013, but that is a story for another time Diolch am 96,999,875 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr. Thanks for 96,999,875 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated. Shot 07.08.2022, at the VSCC Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Prescott, Gloucestershire REF 162-615
