The 12-4's engine grew to 1442cc by boring the 10-4's block out 6mm, from 63.5 to 69.5mm, keeping the same 95mm stroke.
Lead trim: 12-4 Type I 1442 ohv four (35 bhp at 3,600 rpm)
Vauxhall 12-4) Type I12-4-I · 1939–1940
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Vauxhall 12-4) Type I yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactThe 12-4's engine grew to 1442cc by boring the 10-4's block out 6mm, from 63.5 to 69.5mm, keeping the same 95mm stroke.
The Vauxhall 12-4 (the Twelve, or Type I) was a total redesign with a longer six-light body based on the Vauxhall 10 but with a monocoque hull, independent torsion-bar front suspension, semi-elliptic rear leaf springs and Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes on a split circuit. The engine was a 4-cylinder 1.4-litre (1442 cc) with overhead valves, enlarged from the 10-4 by increasing the bore from 63.5 to 69.5 mm with the same 95 mm stroke and a Zenith carburettor, rated at 11.98 hp for UK tax, with an actual output of 35 bhp at 3600 rpm (also used in the Bedford JC and PC light commercials); the 3-speed gearbox had synchromesh on second and top. A Standard and a De-luxe saloon (with sliding sunroof) were offered, the Standard dropped for 1940. The Autocar tested a de-luxe in 1938 at 65 mph and 0–50 mph in 22 seconds. Pre-war production was 10,164, plus 6 more pre-war-version cars in 1946. Wheelbase 101.25 in, length 163 in, width 61 in.
Collectors Spotted in the Vauxhall 12-4 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Vauxhall 12-4 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-4 Type I 1442 ohv four (35 bhp at 3,600 rpm) | 1939–1940 | 1.4 L Inline-4 | 35 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Postwar material shortages hit even Vauxhall’s mid-range Twelve: in 1947 cloth seats replaced the previous leather, and the 10 and 12 hp versions sold for the same price.
The 12-4's engine grew to 1442cc by boring the 10-4's block out 6mm, from 63.5 to 69.5mm, keeping the same 95mm stroke.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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