Railton

Railton models were built by the Fairmile Engineering Company in Cobham, Surrey. This company was the enterprise of Noel Macklin, who was on the same site. Invicta-cars had built. Invictas were built by hand using expensive materials and were no longer for sale. Macklin was determined to produce a car with comparable performance and good bodywork at a more affordable price.

After evaluation, he was very impressed by the performance of the new Terraplane model that in 1932 by Hudson Motors was launched and an agreement was reached to import the straight eight-cylinder chassis. Improvements were made to the chassis and suspension to make them more appealing to British motorists. He then contracted various independent coachbuilders to design and build Light Tourers, Drop Head Coupes, and Saloons. F. Gordon Crosby, the renowned car designer, designed the Railton radiator grille in a style similar to the Invicta; Reid Railton, the designer of Land Speed ​​Record cars, agreed to have his name used for the new car.

Production began in 1933 and would continue until the outbreak of the Second World War. Six cars were collected during the war for use by the Metropolitan Police. After the war, four more cars were built using a chassis that had been temporarily stored, and two cars were built on a post-war chassis.

The majority of the cars were equipped with 8 cylinders, with a displacement of 4168 cc and a power output of 28,8 hp. From 1936, two smaller 6-cylinder engines were available producing 21,6 and 23 hp to meet the demand for cars subject to the lower tax rate. In 1938, Railton Cars also launched a small 10 hp car. This model was based on a standard Flying 9 chassis equipped with a 10 hp engine. This was essentially a miniature copy of the Coachcraft Fairmile Drop Head Coupe and Cobham saloon that were available on the larger chassis. Approximately 50 of these small cars were produced.

As the 1930s progressed, the Hudson 8-cylinder chassis became longer, wider, and heavier, resulting in the installation of the engine with a dual-choke carburetor and manifold. Consequently, power increased slightly to 122 hp at approximately 3800 rpm. This was quite impressive for an untuned side-valve engine at the time, but could easily be increased by fitting an optional alloy cylinder head.

At least seven different coachbuilders were used, including: John Charles Ranalah, REAL, Carbodies, and Coachcraft Ltd. The latter produced the largest number of bodies. Customers could also suggest their own favorite coachbuilder and create their own design. In 1935, Railton built two Light Sports Tourers designed to offer ultimate performance; both cars are still being driven today. The chassis was shortened, the engine moved further back, and the shock absorbers were modified. The bare body was entirely aluminium without trimming, with the exception of the seats.

In the period 1936–1938, three limousines were possibly also built. This was far removed from the original concept of Macklin's high-performance touring coaches, but as an entrepreneur, he also knew where he could make money.

Short Railton revival in 1989

In 1989, the name was revived by a new Railton Motor Company, founded in Wixford, Warwickshire. Two convertible models, the F28 and the F29 Fairmile Claremont, were announced. Both were designed by William Towns based on Jaguar XJS powertrain with a new aluminum body. However, production of this was discontinued in 1994.

Railton F28 based on Jaguar

Railton F29