BSA Scout

BSA Scout
Nine open 2-seater 1935 series I
Overview
ManufacturerBSA Cycles Limited[1]
Productionearly 1935[1]
AssemblyBirmingham[2]
Body and chassis
Classsports car
Body styleopen 2-seater, open 4-seater, coupé
LayoutFMF[1]
Powertrain
Engine1,075 cc 4-cylinder in-line sv[1]
Transmissionthree-speed manual gearbox,[1] multi-plate clutch with a worm final drive. From the differential assembly a short universally jointed propeller shaft runs out transversely to each front wheel
Dimensions
Wheelbase2-seater 90 in (2,300 mm)
4-seater 93 in (2,400 mm))
coupé 93 in (2,400 mm)
Length2-seater 135 in (3,400 mm)
4-seater 146 in (3,700 mm))
coupé 140 in (3,600 mm)
Width52 in (1,300 mm)
Height2-seater 54+12 in (1,380 mm)
4-seater 57 in (1,400 mm))
coupé 54+12 in (1,380 mm)
Kerb weight2-seater 11 long cwt 2 qr (1,290 lb or 580 kg)
4-seater 12 long cwt 2 qr (1,400 lb or 640 kg)
coupé 14 long cwt 0 qr (1,570 lb or 710 kg)
Nine engine
Overview
ManufacturerBSA Cycles Limited
Production1933? to 1936
Layout
Configuration4-cylinder in-line[1]
Displacement1,075 cubic centimetres (66 cu in)[1]
Cylinder bore60 mm (2.4 in)[1]
Piston stroke95 mm (3.7 in)[1]
Cylinder block materialcast iron, in one piece with crankcase
Cylinder head materialcast iron, detachable
Valvetrainside-valve
Combustion
Fuel systemSolex carburettor, mechanical pump from 10 gallon tank at rear
Oil systemgear type pump by skew gears from crankshaft
Cooling systemwater
Output
Power outputnot reported
Tax rating 8.9 h.p.
Suspension, transmission brake and differential
Ten engine
Overview
ManufacturerBSA Cycles Limited
Production1936 to 1939
Layout
Configuration4-cylinder in-line[3]
Displacement1,203 cubic centimetres (73 cu in)[3]
Cylinder bore63.5 mm (2.50 in)[3]
Piston stroke95 mm (3.7 in)[3]
Cylinder block materialcast iron, in one piece with crankcase
Cylinder head materialcast iron, detachable
Valvetrainside-valve, camshaft driven by duplex chain[4]
Combustion
Fuel systemSolex carburettor, (optional twin an extra five guineas), mechanical pump from 10 gallon tank at rear (6 gallons on four-seater and coupé)[4]
Fuel typepetol (tank has a quick-action filler cap)
Oil systemgear type pump by skew gears from crankshaft, de luxe tourer and coupé cars have an oil-pressure-warning green light on the dashboard, other cars have a pressure gauge[4]
Cooling systemwater
Output
Power outputnot reported
Tax rating 9.8 h.p.

The BSA Scout is a small open two-seater front-wheel drive car, manufactured and sold by subsidiaries of The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited, launched at the beginning of April 1935. On account of its front-wheel drive and low centre of gravity it was said to be remarkably stable taking corners in safety which would be impossible with a normal design.[1] This new addition to the range of small open cars for young motorists was intended to further embellish BSA's reputation for sound design, robust construction and complete reliability.[5]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j A New B.S.A. Car. The Times, Tuesday, 2 April 1935; pg. 6; Issue 47028
  2. ^ Annual General Meeting, Birmingham Small Arms Company. The Times, Wednesday, 11 November 1936; pg. 24; Issue 47529.
  3. ^ a b c d The Motor Show. The Times, Friday, 16 October 1936; pg. 7; Issue 47507.
  4. ^ a b c Cars Of 1938. The Times), Monday, 30 August 1937; pg. 16; Issue 47776
  5. ^ Chairman's address, AGM, Birmingham Small Arms Company. The Times, Wednesday, 13 November 1935; pg. 19; Issue 47220