Chater-Lea.
The Chater-Lea Mfg. Co., Ltd., Golden Lane, E.C., are practically confining themselves next year to their well-known No. 7 three-speed chain-driven sidecar model. This machine has been so successful in competition during this year that very little alteration is being undertaken. A few minor improvements will, however, be exhibited next month, notably a front wheel stand and sidecar stand will be added, also a chain guard protecting the rider's clothes from oil which is sometimes thrown from the chains. The sidecar axle will be cranked to bring the wheels opposite to one another, and the chair will be set three or four inches farther back.
The Chater-Lea runabout will not be sold as a complete vehicle, but the firm intend to place on the market a complete set of fittings which will enable motor cycle engineers to build the vehicle themselves. The following parts will constitute a set : The Chater-Lea twin-cylinder V engine, 85 by 85 mm., with outside cone clutch, the Chater-Lea three-speed gear box with sliding counter-shaft, the back axle with hubs differential and bevel gear transmission, steering gear and front axle but not the frame. The back axle brakes are internal expanding and external contracting, all four brakes on the two wheels. The machine will, we understand, attain a speed of forty miles per hour on the level, and the price of a complete set of parts will probably enable the complete runabout to be sold at £100 to £110 retail. Bosch dual ignition will be provided as an extra if desired.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle October 26th, 1911. Page 1126
CHATER-LEA, No. 112.
Part Sectional drawing of the interior of the three-speed gear box fitted to the Chater-Lea 8 h.p. sidecar machine.
Chater-Lea, Ltd., Golden Lane, E.G. – This stand is taken up with the display of 8 h.p. Chater-Lea sidecar models, which have performed so well in competitions during the past season. The engine is of Chater-Lea manufacture, and is on similar lines to the J.A.P., though it differs considerably in the arrangement of the timing gear. The crankshaft carries a large metal-to-metal disc clutch having twenty-nine plates. From this the drive is taken to a three-speed gear box, supported behind the engine by the chain stays through a 7/16in. x¾in. Renold chain. On the same side the final driving chain is taken to the back wheel. The brakes are very large and designed for sidecar work, the rear one being a metal to metal contracting band on the right-hand side of the hub. The gear change is operated by a horizontal lever working in a quadrant on the top tube. Special attention has been paid to giving sufficient tank capacity, there being a petrol capacity of two gallons and a half and oil half a gallon. The machine is fitted throughout with ball bearings. Lubrication is by hand pump, the tank being placed immediately underneath the saddle. The back wheel is shod with a 650 x 65 mm. voiturette tyre. The side-cars themselves well repay inspection, and in wicker-work, cane, and coachbuilt finish are very neatly turned out.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1252
