Powerdrive Explained

Powerdrive
Manufacturer:Powerdrive Ltd
Model Years:November 1955 - February 1957
Assembly:Wood Green, London
Class:microcar
Body Style:2-door convertible
Layout:RMR
Engine:Anzani 3220NaN0 twin-cylinder Two-stroke engine.
Transmission:3-speed and reverse manual
Width:4feet
Length:12feet
Weight:8long cwt
Wheelbase:8feet
Related:Coronet (automobile)
Designer:David Gottlieb
Sp:uk

The Powerdrive was a three-wheeled microcar with a rear-mounted 3220NaN0 Anzani two cylinder, two stroke 16.5PS engine.[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 8long cwt. 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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. 13 December 1956. The 322cc Two-Stroke Powerdrive. Motor Cycling.
  2. Book: Marshall, Tony. Microcars. 1999. Sutton Publishing Limited. Stroud. 0-7509-2082-3. 72. 4.
  3. Book: Zeichner, Walter. Kleinwagen International. 1990. Bleicher Verlag. Gerlingen. 3-88350-160-3. 190.
  4. News: Daily Mirror: July 30, 1955 Edition. 30 July 1955. Daily Mirror. 5.
  5. News: Daily Express: July 30, 1955 Edition. 30 July 1955. Daily Express. 5.