Buchanan (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Buchanan Motor Co. Pty Ltd was an Australian automotive manufacturer based in Lidcombe, New South Wales, active from 1956 to 1961. Founded by Nat Buchanan, a racing driver and radio maker, the company aimed to innovate in the automotive sector by utilizing fibreglass, a material that was gaining popularity for its lightweight properties.

In 1956, Buchanan introduced a sports coupé that featured English Ford components, including a hot Consul engine capable of producing 71 bhp, although a Zephyr Six engine was also listed as an option. The vehicle had a wheelbase of 91 inches (2311 mm) and weighed 815 kg. Despite its technical specifications, the model failed to generate significant interest in the market. Nevertheless, Buchanan continued to develop fibreglass products, creating a sports body mould based on the Aston Martin DB3S, which was well-received by sports drivers for its weight-saving advantages. This body was designed to fit various vehicles, including the Austin A40 and MG, and led to the production of 108 units before the after-market business was sold to J. & S. Fibreglass.

Buchanan's ambition to produce his own car culminated in the design of the Buchanan Cobra, which debuted in 1958. This roadster utilized Standard Ten mechanicals and was built on a chassis manufactured by the Pressed Metal Corporation. With a wheelbase of 90 inches (2286 mm) and a weight of 816 kg, the Cobra was powered by a 44 hp twin carburettor engine, offering satisfactory performance. However, the project faced challenges due to the arrival of the Austin-Healey Sprite and the subsequent unavailability of mechanical components after the Standard Ten was replaced by the Triumph Herald. Ultimately, the Cobra project was taken over by the Pressed Metal Corporation, and only about 20 examples were produced. J. & S. Fibreglass acquired the moulds and continued to sell bodies for customer fitting.