Paramount Cars
Paramount Cars was a British company which produced the Paramount automobile between 1950 and 1956. Founded by WA Hudson and S Underwood from Derbyshire, the company initially manufactured cars in Swadlincote with production moving shortly after to Melbourne (again in Derbyshire) and then to Leighton Buzzard. Two models were produced, the Paramount Ten and the Paramount 1½-Litre.[1][2]
| Paramount Ten Paramount 1½-Litre | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Paramount Cars Ltd |
| Production | 1950-1956 production - 72 approx.[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2 door roadster [2] 2 door saloon [2] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1172 cc Straight-4[1] 1508 cc Straight-4[1] |
| Transmission | Three speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 96 in (2,438 mm) later 102 in (2,591 mm)[3] |
| Length | 166 in (4,216 mm)[3] |
| Width | 66 in (1,676 mm)[3] |
| Curb weight | 2,040 lb (930 kg) to 2,350 lb (1,070 kg).[3] |
History
The Paramount had an aluminium over wood frame body with BMW like grille and was mounted on a separate tubular steel chassis with front transverse and rear semi elliptical leaf springs. It was originally intended to have Alvis engine and suspension but to reduce cost the production versions used Ford 10 components including the 1172 cc side valve engines, but fitted with twin SU carburettors, which resulted in poor performance. The car was listed in both 2 and 4 seat versions.
In 1953, the company was bought by Camden Motors and production moved to Leighton Buzzard and the Ford Consul 1,508 cc engine was an option in a longer chassis as also was a Wade or Shorrock supercharger. The price was now an uncompetitive £1009 and production ceased in 1956 after about 70 cars had been made.
After the end of car production the remaining chassis were sold off and several were fitted with Rochdale glass fibre bodies.
There was no connection with the two separate American Paramount Car companies of Azusa, California (1923-1924) and New York City (1927-1931).
Performance
A 1500 cc car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of 72.4 mph (116.5 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 31.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 25.6 miles per imperial gallon (11.0 L/100 km; 21.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1013 including taxes.[4]
Gallery
1956 Paramount 1½ Litre with the Ford Consul engine- 1956 Paramount 1 1/2 litre Roadster
1956 Paramount 1 1/2 litre Roadster
1956 Paramount 1 1/2 litre Roadster
1956 Paramount 1 1/2 litre Roadster
1956 Paramount 1 1/2 litre Roadster
Alvis-based prototype 1948
Alvis badge and 3litre engine
Aluminium body on 1933 Alvis
References
- Sedgwick, M. (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
- The Observer's Book of Automobiles, 1956, pages 211 to 213
- Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- "The Paramount 1.5 litre Roadster". The Motor. 25 April 1956.
Bibliography
- Lawrence, Mike. (1991). AZ of Sports Cars since 1945 - page 252. Bay View Books. ISBN 1870979230
- Sedgwick, Michael. (1985) CARS OF THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES - page 225. AB nordbook. ISBN 9174420119
- Georgano, G.N. (1973) The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars1885 to the present - page 536. Ebury Press. ISBN 0852230486