3 replies to this topic

[Stirling]

Does anyone know who designed the Paramount cars that were made in Leighton Buzzard? All I know so far is Paramount Cars was a British car initially manufactured in Swadlincote, Derbyshire between 1950 and 1956.

Founded by WA Hudson and S Underwood from Derbyshire, 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 however well built and equipped and was listed in both 2 and 4 seat versions.

In 1953 production moved to Leighton Buzzard and the Ford Consul 1500 cc engine was an option in a longer chassis as also was a Wade or Shorrocks supercharger. The price was now an uncompetitive £1009 and production ceased in 1956 after about 70 cars had been made.


Thanks for any designer info!

ciao,
Stirling

[JB Miltonian]

There is a four-page article on the Paramount in Classic & Sportscar, March 1991, but it does not mention the designer. My index also lists an article on the Paramount in C&S, May 1982, but I don't have that issue.

[GeoffE]

The Paramount 1.5-litre Roadster was the subject of The Motor Road Test 25 April 1956.

Each front wing housed a 7.5 gallon petrol tank.

[Leigh Trevail]

A chap called Peter Tutthill wrote a book on Paramount Cars a couple of years ago, give him a shout on 01208 812358, he may have a copy in stock.