The Xtra Car exhibit will be of interest to those who are looking for a cheap three-wheeled monocar which is economical in upkeep. Weather protection is ensured on the novel Xtra car.
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Xtra Cyclecars
Designed by Cuthbert Clarke, this was an English three-wheel cyclecar built from 1922 to 1924 by Xtra Cars, Ltd., of Chertsey, Surrey.
Powered by single cylinder Villiers and twin-cylinder JAP engines, solo and two-seater versions were offered. Production ceased in May 1924.
No vehicle built offers such a remarkable choice of power units, while otherwise remaining essentially the same as the 1923 Xtra car. A two-seater model has been evolved; in the runabout form, it is fitted with a 347 c.c. Villiers engine and costs £105; in the "touring" form a 976 c.c. V-twin J. A. P. is substituted, when the price is increased to £122 17s., incidentally the lowest priced two-seater three-wheeler on the market.
On this unconventional vehicle, two pairs of transverse springs act as front axles and carry car type stub axles on pivot pins. Rear springing is by two quarter-elliptic springs. The body also acts in the same capacity as a chassis on a normal car.
The Motor Cycle
NOVEMBER 30th, 1922. Page 871
The Olympia Show.
XTRA CAR. (47.)
Single, and DoubleSeater Runabouts.
3½ H.P. Model.
Xtra Cars, Ltd., 45. London Street, Chertsey, Surrey.
The Xtra Car aims at similar running costs and upkeep to the motor bicycle, and at the same time provides complete weather protection. This year the passenger as well as the solo market has been catered for, the former by the production of a two-seater model fitted with a 976 c.c. J.A.P. engine at a price of £122 17s. A two-seater "runabout," essentially the same, uses the 343 c.c. Villiers engine. The drive is by single chain over from the engine to two friction rollers on a rocking frame. Either roller can be brought into engagement with a drum on the rear wheel. As the rollers have different-sized sprockets and themselves vary in diameter, two speeds are obtained. The rear portion of the frame is suspended on two quarter-elliptic springs, the front suspension being two pairs of transverse flat springs carrying car type steering heads. Rack and pinion steering is adopted.
The two-seater model marks the Xtra Car's, entry into serious competition with the sidecar, and at the same time widens the appeal of a most interesting little vehicle. Undoubtedly the design is marked by individuality. The designer no doubt weighed the pros and cons of engine position and saw advantages in placing the engine at the rear - for it does possess advantages.
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