Crescent (cyclecar)

Crescent Motors Ltd manufactured a cyclecar in Walsall and Birmingham between 1911 and 1915.[1]

The firm, based on Pleck Road, was founded by James Bailey and became a limited company in October 1911 but had been issuing advertising material from at least March.[2]

Two models were produced both powered by J.A.P air-cooled V-twin engines with friction disc transmission and belt drive.[1] The friction drive consisted of a vertical driven disc and a smaller wheel that could be moved across the face of the driven disc so the distance from the drive axis would give variable gearing. A clutch action was made by lifting the driven wheel off the drive disc. Moving the driven wheel past the centre gave a reverse gear. The smaller car with an engine rated for taxation at 5/6 hp had tandem seating with the driver sitting behind the passenger. The larger model had a 7/9 hp engine.[2]

By 1913 the tandem seating was replaced by more conventional side by side coachwork and windscreen. The engine had grown to 964 cc with a RAC horsepower rating of 8 hp. The belt drive was replaced by a shaft to the friction disc and chain to the back axle. The price was quoted as £115.[2]

When Crescent Motors moved to Britannia Works, Rolfe Street, Smethwick, Birmingham, the J.A.P engine was replaced by a water-cooled Precision or a Blumfield V-twin engine.[1] The final drive by chain was to only one of the rear wheels with the other driven by a friction plate so a differential was not needed. The only body style offered was a 2-seater open model, which sold for £127.[3]

The Crescent was popular with female motorists, with several registered in the West Midlands.[1]

Production ended in 1915, and only one Crescent is known to survive.[3] The number made is not known.[2]

## References

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1. ^ a b c d Georgano, Nick (2000). The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: Stationery Office. p. 1792\. ISBN 0117023191.
2. ^ a b c d Worthington-Williams, Michael (April 2002). "Over the Moon". The Automobile. 20: 49–51.
3. ^ a b Parker, Bev. "www.historywebsite.co.uk". Wolverhampton History & Heritage. Retrieved 19 March 2014.