Company overview
Crossley Motors Ltd began as a division of Crossley Brothers, initially manufacturers of textile machinery and rubber-processing plants. In 1903, the company began producing cars, initially building around 650 vehicles in its first year. From 1910, it operated as a separate company and became a major supplier of vehicles to British Armed Forces during World War I. The company produced approximately 19,000 cars and 5,500 buses between 1904 and 1958. Production of cars scaled back in the 1930s, and bus production ceased in 1958. In 1948, Crossley Motors was acquired by Associated Commercial Vehicles (later AEC). The company’s final chassis were produced in 1952, with bodywork continuing until 1958. During World War II, Crossley produced over 10,000 four-wheel drive military vehicles. The company’s early models included the 20/25 HP, and later, buses such as the Eagle, Condor, and Mancunian. Crossley also manufactured a range of commercial vehicles including vans and heavy goods vehicles.
