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1923 Rhode 9.5hp
| The Rhode Motor Company of Birmingham started production in 1921, and cars were produced to their own design, powered by a 1087cc single overhead cam engine, which was most unusual for a light car of that period. The rear axle was of basic design and it had no differential and the gearbox was brought in from Wrigley but all other components were made `in house’. Early cars, such as this one, were known as the 9.5hp and some had a short body called the ‘Occasional Four’. In all about a thousand of the 9.5hp models were made up to 1928. This is a very pretty and early example of the close-coupled tourer body. CK 2967 has been in the present owners hands since 1991 and much work has been carried out, including a new radiator core, new pistons, re-ground crank, re-mettled bearings, re-profiled camshaft and rockers, new clutch lining etc. Also with the car is a spare engine and gearbox, 2 crown wheels, 1 pinion and a large box of other spares. CK 2967 is believed to be one of only a handful of Rhodes that survive and the only `Occasional Four’. Offered with Tax and MoT until March 2010 and the Rhode retains its original registration number on a V5c. A large archive of handbooks, articles, history etc accompanies the car. This rare survivor with its lively overhead camshaft engine and very attractive tourer bodywork should prove competitive in VSCC Light Car Section events and trials. |
