Memories of a Mechanic: The OD Chassis

Watch 87-year old Cecil, a former employee of OD Cars, reunite with the OD Chassis.

At the beginning of the First World War, OD Cars Ltd. opened on the Antrim Road, Belfast and by 1919, the first OD car took to the road.

The History of the OD Car

At the beginning of the First World War, OD Cars Ltd. (OD meaning 'Owner Driver') was set up on the Antrim Road by Mr McKee and Mr Eves. Their aim: to design a high quality car that could be maintained with little difficulty by a chauffeur/handyman or the owner themselves.

The design was completed between 1916 and 1918 and the first OD car took to the road in 1919.

Specifications

It had a 25hp 6 cylinder 7 bearing monobloc engine with single-shaft driven, over-head camshaft. Ignition was by Bosch Magneto and the electrical equipment was enclosed and fan cooled.

The car was fitted with an electric starter. It had a 4-speed and reverse gearbox and torque tube drive to the bevel geared fully floating back axle. The mechanical rear brakes were duplicated and could be adjusted from the driver’s seat when the car was in motion.

The car, fitted with a large touring body, was bought by Major RG Heyn, the chairman of the Head Line and also a director of OD Cars. The car could sit comfortable at 60mph, with a maximum speed of approximately 75mph.

The body was removed after being extensively damaged in an air raid on Belfast in 1941. An incendiary bomb set fire to the premises where it was being stored, and molten glue destroyed the bodywork.

OD Chassis Detailing

Production

The efficient, large-bore engine gave it a high rate of tax when the government introduced horse-power tax. Lack of capital prevented the OD from being put into production. When they were unable to produce and sell their own car, they became agents for Daimler, Lanchester and Jowett cars and earned a good reputation. McKee continued to invent machines and assist other inventors.

In 1977 the machine shop of OD Cars Ltd, which was the only part of the company still functioning, was damaged by a terrorist bomb. It continues to operate today specialising in engine re-manufacturing.

In its time, the company has invented and built numerous products such as the electric hare system for greyhound racing which is installed throughout the UK including Wimbledon and Wembley stadiums. During the war, the company was licensed to build Rhone radial aircraft engines and C and C interrupter gear.