Railton Straight 8 classic cars for sale

Introduction and History of Railton Straight 8

The Railton Straight 8 has its origins in early 1930s Britain, conceived by the ambitious Reid Railton and Noel Macklin. The company brought together British craftsmanship and American reliability by marrying British coachwork with Hudson’s robust chassis and straight-eight engines. Production began in 1933 at Macklin’s Fairmile works in Surrey, with the first presentation occurring in the same year. Initially, only Tourers were offered, but the range expanded to include saloons, dropheads, and estate (Woody) cars. These cars were lighter than the Hudson Terraplane on which they were based, producing better performance. Railtons were instantly recognisable for their sleek, elegant forms and spirited driving experience. Production ended with the outbreak of the Second World War after approximately 1,400 vehicles had been built.

Model History

The first Railton Straight 8 was based on a modified Terraplane Eight chassis manufactured by Hudson. As the model evolved, Railton continued to use various Hudson chassis, notably adopting the 4.2-litre Hudson Super Eight for the second series. Bodywork came in different styles—sport saloon, tourer, shooting-brake estate (Woody), and cabriolet. In the late 1930s, a 'Baby Railton' appeared, based on the Standard Ten, but the classic Straight 8 remained tied to the large, straight-eight power plant. Following WWII, Railton’s activities wound down and the firm was acquired by Hudson Motors Ltd.

Highlights of the Railton Straight 8

• Built predominantly between 1933 and WWII, with under 1,400 cars produced, making it highly exclusive.
• Developed by Reid Railton and Noel Macklin, combining British coachwork with reliable Hudson mechanics.
• Offered body styles included sport limousines, tourers, Woody estates, saloons, and cabriolets.
• The car’s 8-cylinder side-valve engine and lightweight construction resulted in impressive acceleration and speed for its era.
• Initial pricing was around £499, offering remarkable value compared to competitors.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Notable special variants of the Railton Straight 8 include the coveted ‘Woody’ estate cars and the Fairmile series, distinguished by specific coachbuilders and bespoke configurations. The occasional “Baby Railton” is a curiosity from the late 1930s but falls outside the conventional Straight 8 series.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Railton Straight 8’s combination of a robust Hudson straight-eight engine and lightweight British bodywork delivered impressive performance for its class in the 1930s. The engine’s torquey, smooth power delivery worked well with the 3-speed manual transmission, and the rear-wheel drive setup contributed to a spirited driving experience. Notably, the car's acceleration and top speed exceeded many of its period competitors, while the handling benefited from lighter construction compared to source Hudson models. Touring comfort and relaxed long-distance driving are strong suits, though period braking and suspension require respect for pre-war technology. Key models to highlight are the Fairmile Series I Tourer, Woody Estate Car, and Fairmile One Tourer. These stood out for combining elegant bespoke coachwork with the performance hallmark of the Hudson engine.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Coachbuilt shells provided Railton Straight 8s with a variety of distinguished appearances—from streamlined sport saloons to practical estate Woodys and stylish dropheads. The emphasis on British craftsmanship resulted in refined interiors, often trimmed in high-quality leather and wood. Unique design features included distinctive radiator grilles, flowing wings, and classic British detailing. Accessories and optional configurations were abundant, with customers able to specify custom paintwork, special wheels, and additional comfort features, depending on the coachbuilder. The right-hand-drive layout reflected British road conditions and driver preferences of the era.

Summary

The Railton Straight 8 is a rare survivor from the British pre-war era, combining American technical robustness with bespoke British design. With a limited production run, multiple elegant body styles, and spirited Hudson performance, it remains an authentic choice for collectors seeking character and historical significance in a classic car.