Dellow in the Dales and Meadows: The ups and downs<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s been suggested the Dellow was forced into production by popular demand.<\/p>\n

The best years for Dellow were 1949 to ’55.They were known as the Dellow Light Car.<\/p>\n

They sold their early cars with the strap line: –<\/p>\n

“A car which is built for a job and does it”<\/em><\/p>\n

Dellow were also suppliers of Wade-Roots \/Wade -Ventor superchargers and this possibly explains that option to the 1772 engine.<\/p>\n

Editors photographs<\/p>\n

The advantages were:-<\/p>\n

\n
• Simple tubular frame<\/li>\n
• Ford 10 \/Prefect mechanical parts including 1172 side valve engine and 3 speed gearboxes<\/li>\n
• Transferse leaf spring<\/li>\n
• Aluminium body<\/li>\n
• Aesthetic on traditional and trials canon i.e.. 15 gallon petrol tank and twin spare wheels over rear axle for traction<\/li>\n
• Relatively high ground clearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  As such the Dellow was a commercial proposition .It offered :-<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Light , economic motoring<\/li>\n
  • Cheap to purchase and run; e.g. good fuel consumption<\/li>\n
  • Appealing all round specification \/ performance<\/li>\n
  • Functional , stark purposeful aesthetic<\/li>\n
  • Practical and relatively easily maintained and tuned etc.<\/li>\n
  • Brisk performance between 69-80mph depending on model and state of tune<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Estimates vary but suggestion about 300 built.<\/p>\n

    Petrol consumption varied between supercharged estimated at 25 to 1172 at 35 mpg<\/p>\n

    Retail prices ranged from: –<\/p>\n

    1949 \u00a3636<\/p>\n

    1952 \u00a3841-10s including purchase tax for Mk.III [ 4seat]<\/p>\n

    Optional extras included<\/p>\n

    Twin carburettors \u00a313<\/p>\n

    Supercharger \u00a380<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Technical specifications from Armstrong for Mk.VI c1955- 1957 [see also Automobiles<\/em> Mainwaring]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Specification for:<\/td>\n	Dellow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Engine<\/td>\n	Ford 100E<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cylinders<\/td>\n	4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cooling<\/td>\n	water cooled<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Bore & Stroke<\/td>\n	63.5 x 92.5mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cubic Capacity<\/td>\n	1172cc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Compression Ratio<\/td>\n	7 to1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Valve gear<\/td>\n	Side valve<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Maximum bhp<\/td>\n	36 at 4400rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Carburettors<\/td>\n	1 Solex or twin SU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Fuel pumps<\/td>\n	AC mechanical<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Fuel tank capacity<\/td>\n	5.5 galls [Imp]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Gearbox<\/td>\n	Ford 3-speed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brakes :front<\/td>\n	hydraulic drums 10in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brakes : rear<\/td>\n	hydraulic drums 10in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Wheel base<\/td>\n	7ft-6in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Track front<\/td>\n	3ft-11.5in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Track rear<\/td>\n	3ft-11.5in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Overall length<\/td>\n	11ft-10in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Overall width<\/td>\n	4ft-9in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Dry weight<\/td>\n	11.5cwt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Wheels<\/td>\n	bolt on pressed steel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Tyres:front<\/td>\n	5.90×13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Tyres: rear<\/td>\n	5.90×13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Maximum speed [estimated]<\/td>\n	75-80mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n Figure 2.Editors photographs<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure Editors photographs.note typical dashboard layout and instrumentation<\/p>\n Form and Function<\/strong><\/p>\n Mainwaring:-<\/p>\n ” The Dellow company can claim to be one of the first in GB to use a rigid tubular chassis and coil spring suspension ,with a good ground clearance and very light weight these sturdy little cars proved ideal for the specialised trial events . The body frames were built up from welded steel tubes which in turn, welded to the chassis frame to form an integral structure of great strength ,aluminium body panels were added which gave durable results with an attractive ,purposeful appearance without unnecessary weight ”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure .Editors sketch hoping to confirm the aspects of form and function present in Dellow trials car<\/p>\n The base chassis was an “A” frame similar in concept to Austin Seven but of rather large diameter tube c 3-1\/8th inch to 31-\/2 inch ?There was a bracket at the apex that supported front transfers axle.<\/p>\n These stark vechicles were totally unpretentious<\/p>\n the Mk.VI:-<\/p>\n “compact smoothly contoured two seat sports car rectangular radiator intake with inset mesh grill flanked by indicator lamps ,divided bumpers front and rear ,straight through flowing wing line with dip at cockpit to vertical rear line .rear lamp cluster in two vertical groups of three. Deep two piece “vee” windscreen. Disc wheels with large plain hubcaps<\/p>\n NB resembles many period Ford Specials of the era.<\/p>\n Trials cars often used “knobbly” tyres for extra grip. Two spare wheels were often carried and mounted externally rigged at the extreme rear. This was entirely practical. They offered alternative when road use undertaken [ i.e. many dual use cars driven to events] and extra weight required over rear axle to assist traction. Large fuel tanks [slab type performed same weight function]<\/p>\n Hinged fold flat windscreens were practical in dual use situation and raised would be impractical during trial.<\/p>\n Light weight and high ground clearance i.e. avoids potential rocks and objects assist navigation whilst protecting vulnerable components like sumps and assisted in deep water etc.<\/p>\n Lotus<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapmans early cars were for trials use i.e. Austin special, followed by Mk.II,IV<\/p>\n The editors belief a late example was as follows:-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 5.Editors sketch of Lotus believed to have been commissioned for trials use .note chassis layout extrapolated from period photographs.<\/p>\n Learning Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n Our learning \/educational opportunities are intended to be challenging thought provoking and requiring additional research and\/or analysis.<\/p>\n These opportunities are particularly designed for a museum\/education centre location where visitors would be able to enjoy access to all the structured resources available in conjunction with any concurrent exhibition.<\/p>\n In this instance we suggest the following might be appropriate:-<\/p>\n \n Enumerate British trials cars, which mechanical components did they use?<\/li>\n To what extent were the Lotus early cars up to Eleven dual use cars?<\/li>\n What were the qualities of Ford 1172cc engine that made it attractive for sports cars, specials and competition<\/li>\n Enumerate British specialist cars that used Ford 1172 components?<\/li>\n What was the post war life of the Ford 1172; what superseded it?<\/li>\n Enumerate full list of Ford parts used in Dellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Figure 6.Ballamy Special note cannon of the era and particularly instrumentation and twin cowled cockpit.<\/p>\n Education, Economics and Exhibitions<\/strong><\/p>\n The proposed museum believes that commercial considerations are both necessary and complementary with its educational objectives.<\/p>\n For these reasons our Business Plan includes provision for promoting products and services which share Chapman\u2019s ideals of mechanical efficiency and sustainability. In addition we propose merchandising that explain and interprets the social and cultural context of Chapman\u2019s designs in period. It\u2019s suggested there will be catalogue for on line purchasing.<\/p>\n In particular:<\/p>\n \n Dellow :An expert in the field<\/li>\n Dellow :In the woods and thick-of -it<\/li>\n Dellow :A Trials Inclination<\/li>\n Dellow and Trials with Acclivity<\/li>\n Dellow and Lotus :Trailblazers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Figure 7.Editors sketch of Lotus trials car [see note above].Note similarities to Dellow.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n The Dellow is a product of its time. Some belief it was late coming to the market. However the war intervened but it helped overcome the rationing, austerity and provided a much needed and viable dual use car. It was relatively expensive but this might be compared with Lotus Mk.VI and perhaps explains why Chapman and other enthusiasts chose to build specials and innovation , improvisation was such an important consideration to outcome and success.<\/p>\n The Dellow being a dual use car was practical attractive and a response to demand. Its sales figures confirm this.<\/p>\n The Dellow followed a British sports car tradition and canon in being two seat, light, small and sprightly and off road orientated. It also borrowed the time honored visual clues and essential specification. Yet remains clearly identifiable.<\/p>\n Chapman joined the trials hobby \/sport and his early special indicates he sought to be competitive but at significantly lower cost. His subsequent cars became more competitive but like Dellow were dual use.<\/p>\n There remains a strong continuation \/legacy of this form of competition as developed by Historic Sporting Trials. The editors suspect the inclination towards this includes some of the following factors: –<\/p>\n \n A turning away from excessive technology and specialisation<\/li>\n Greater interest in camaraderie and participation as per original<\/li>\n Historical connection and original cars still existing<\/li>\n Practicality and affordability \u2013the Ford side valve components remain generally available again as in original case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Chapman\/Lotus involvement in motor sport spreads from the simple to ultra-sophisticated but there is always a thread of innovation, improvisation , mutation and sense of competition. It’s interesting to note chapman was a competent driver both on track or trial.<\/p>\n Seventy years after Chapman’s earliest participation, Lotus cars are still demonstrating their technical significance and relevance in the market place but also in historic trials.<\/p>\n Appendix: Production bases<\/strong><\/p>\n Dellow Motors Ltd;<\/p>\n Alverchurch,<\/p>\n Birmingham.<\/p>\n And<\/p>\n Dellow Enginering Co ltd;<\/p>\n Albert street,<\/p>\n Oldbury,<\/p>\n Nr.Birmingham,<\/p>\n England.<\/p>\n Reference:<\/strong><\/p>\n British Sports Cars.Watkins.Batsford.1974<\/p>\n ISBN:0713404728<\/p>\n Autombolies.Mainwaring.Warne.1959<\/p>\n The Sports Car.Boddy.Batsford 1963.<\/p>\n The Worlds Racing Cars.Armstrong.Macdonald.1959.<\/p>\n European sports and GT cars 1945-1960.ronson .Foulis.1981<\/p>\n ISBN:0854292810<\/p>\n Sports Cars.Georgano<\/p>\n Sports Cars.Douglas.Ian Allan.<\/p>\n Please note the editors of the A&R attempt to give the broadest spectrum of references but not all are available for consultation in an article. However by noting their existence it may assist students in their research.<\/em><\/p>\n *Items in italics non A&R library books.<\/em><\/p>\n  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For he\u2019s a jolly good Dellow Hello Dellow :Introduction Dellow was a specialist British car maker in the late 1940’s through the mid 1950’s. They were a peer \/competitor to Chapman and Lotus in the early part of Chapman’s career. Both marques shared and overlapped with the following trends and patterns of the immediate post […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":280,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2754"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2754"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2754\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2765,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2754\/revisions\/2765"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}