CG #45 - Phoenix Quadcar

[Craig Gillingham]

For 1 point, just tell me the make of this car.

For another point, tell me what the make of the engine is.

[Craig Gillingham]

Up to Professional level.

I've added another photo, it's a different car, but the same make.

[pnegyesi]

I found the original picture (wasn't too difficult ), but there's no identification of the make. How did you do it ?

[Craig Gillingham]

After I found the photo, I asked an expert I know on early cars what it was, and he knew straight away. There are a few other cars similar to this one on the web, so it isn't completely obscure.

[pnegyesi]

British?

[Craig Gillingham]

British?

Yep.

[pnegyesi]

an early Thornycroft?

[Craig Gillingham]

an early Thornycroft?

No, sorry.

[Otto Puzzell]

Steam powered?

[Craig Gillingham]

Steam powered?

No, just a normal petrol engine.

[Allan L]

That seems to be an 8 h.p.  Phœnix of about 1907. Their slightly earlier version was called the "Quadcar" and I think this was as well.
I should know as in 1911 the Phœnix company moved to Letchworth, where I live, and I did once own a rather later 12 h.p. Phœnix

[Craig Gillingham]

Exactly correct. LOCKED for you to tell me what make of engine this has got, which I think you'll find easy.

[Allan L]

Well as both Minerva and Fafnir engines were used, take your pick!
I think the Minerva engine they used was a single, so I'll say it's more likely a twin-cylinder Funfair Fafnir.

[Craig Gillingham]

Well as both Minerva and Fafnir engines were used, take your pick!

I thought this model just had the traverse mounted twin cylinder Fafnir, the ones with the radiators mounted on either side. I didn't know they also had Minerva's. I know the smaller Trimo used a Minerva single. The attached photo shows the layout a bit better, and the fact that the bonnet on these puzzle cars was just cosmetic.