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1946 Epoch - Model 10
In 1946, Epoch unexpectedly released its first car that was 100% designed and built internally to the company. Realising that the market had matured, and that cars were within reach for the majority of people, Walter Epoch had focused efforts on building a stylish but understated vehicle that would focus on reliability and economy. Economies around the world were starting the recovery process, however the common people would struggle to be able to afford most vehicles that were being produced. Walter decided that whilst Epoch was a household name for well-to-do families, the time was right to switch focus on delivering transport to the masses. To this end, The Model 10 was developed; a tiny rear-wheel drive sedan, powered by a 500cc 3-cylinder engine through a 2-speed gearbox, but what it lacked in power and size, it had in practicality and frugalness. Epoch initially only released the Model 10 in a single trim and single colour (Noble Green), allowing for efficiency in production and maintenance, which allowed them to build the car at a cost of only $380. The Model 10 was released in UK, Europe, and the USA simultaneously, although the reception varied between each of these markets. Whilst the Model 10 was quickly identified by the public as a gem of a car in Europe, leading to stock selling out and the need to develop and maintain waiting lists for new vehicles, sales at home in the UK were average. Over in the USA, on the other hand, the Model 10 faired poorly, as the offering was misaligned to the American market’s preference for large cars and large engines. It did, however, start to develop a following for the brand amongst those who could never have afforded a car without the Model 10 on offer.
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In 1948, the engine in the Epoch Model 10 underwent a small revamp in order to fix a few manufacturing issues that were discovered. These modifications allowed for more reliability, and bumped the power up by about 6% (1.3HP), although more fuelling was required. This refresh also included a new optional paint colour code “Stormy Silver”. The new revised model was designated the Model 10/B, and the old model now referred to as the Model 10/A (and withdrawn from sale). Apart from the new engine and paint colour, the car remained identical to the original.
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1949 brought about the final variant of the initial Model 10, termed the Model 10/C, which sold alongside the 10/B, and could be identified by its subtle changes to bonnet vent and indicator placement, as well as painted wheels. For this model, the Epoch engineers experimented with alternate carburettors and tuning techniques in order to coax even more power (another 1.2HP) out of the diminutive motor. In addition to this, the gearbox now boasted an extra gear (bringing the total up to 3 plus reverse); allowing the car to finally reach 100km/h[1], and the suspension was retuned for better on-road manners. Reliability was improved as a consequence, however the increase in both fuel usage and servicing costs by about 10% led to few people optioning for the 10/C, even if it was sold for the equivalent price.
[1] And only took a sporting 83 seconds to do so!