Autovia

Autovia was a short lived brand of British car made in Coventry between 1937 and 1938. The venture was ambitious and even included setting up a school for chauffeurs. The cars were expensive and it was a market sector well served by other companies. About 35 cars were made.

The company was created by Riley as a subsidiary to produce large luxury cars. A 2849 cc V-8 engine was developed from existing Riley engine blocks and coupled to either a pre selector gearbox bought from Armstrong Siddeley or a conventional four speed manual unit. Drive was to the rear wheels through a live axle with worm gear final drive.

Two body types were advertised, a sports saloon and a limousine mostly built by Arthur Mulliner.

The venture failed when Riley went bankrupt. When they were taken over by the Nuffield Organisation Autovia was not resurrected.

35 made limousine
 * production  = 1937-1938
 * body_style  = sports saloon
 * engine      = 2849 cc V-8
 * transmission = 4-speed pre selector 4-speed manual
 * length      = 175 or 183 inches (4.45 or 4.65 ])
 * width       = 71 inches (1.80 m)
 * height      =
 * weight      =
 * wheelbase   = 129 inches (3.28 m)
 * successor   =
 * designer    = Charles Van Eugen