Today's post deals with its set of models introduced shortly after the end of World War 2. All were mounted on a 115-inch (2921 mm) wheelbase, save a few later sedans.
Model names were assigned on the basis of body type. Drophead (convertible) coupes were called Hurricanes, named after the Hawker fighter. The fixed-top coupe was the Typhoon, named for a later World War 2 British fighter-bomber. Saloons (sedans) were named after bombers. The first such was the Lancaster, and a few years later the Whitley was added to the lineup. All told, 10,528 such cars were made between 1945 and 1953.
I wrote about an ugly 1950s Armstrong Siddeley body style here.
Styling was essentially prewar.
The fixed-head coupe passenger greenhouse features a fairly flat roof and large windows, giving it an airy appearance.
Aside from the top of the A-pillar and roof, the saloon version is the same as the coupe forward of the B-pillar. For example, the front door forward cutlines are the same, though the saloon's door is more narrow.
Whitleys were added for 1949. They were what the British call four-light (four-window) saloons. The main difference from the Lancaster is the shape of the top in the C-pillar area and the forward area of the trunk profile. B-pillars are thinner too.
In a gesture to late prewar styling trends, grille bars are horizontal.
I suppose the idea was to yield a more "streamlined" look.
But the result was too ponderous. Vertical bars or thinner horizontal ones might have been improvements.
Note the front fender sculpting. I'll say more about that farther down.
The rectangular panel below the trunk lid might be for spare tire access.
Same rear as on the Hurricane.
The trunk area is superficially similar to that of the coupes. But the lid hinges are at the bottom and concealed, the handle is above, rather than below. Fuel filler caps are in the same place, however.
This seems to be the 122-inch (3100 mm) Whitley, having six windows. The trunk lid is similar to that found on coupes, but extends farther down. The fuel filler cap is relocated to the fender. Note the dent on the front fender.
Now for the unusual front fender sculpting. As you can see, fender sides are dished in to form catwalks.
Seen from a more normal viewing perspective.
The sculpting as seen from the rear.
More decorative than functional, I rate the sculpting as interesting and distinctive, yet not attractive.
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