Calcott 10.5 HP
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 18 August 2008 |
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Car : Calcott 10.5 HP
Year : 1913
Engine : 4 cylinders in line
Bore and stroke :65×110 mm
Cylinder capacity : 1460 cc
Gears : 3 forward
Brake horse power : 16
Maximum speed : 45 mph
Wheelbase : 7 ft 9 ins (2.36 m)
Suspension : front and back: semi- elliptic leaf- springs
Calcott was another small English car firm of humble origins (it first made bicycles, then motorcycles). It went over to 4-wheelers in 1913, but production was hampered by over-elaborate manufacturing processes. In fact, having neither foundry nor bodywork department, Calcott was engaged only in assembling engines. The chassis came from Coventry. Despite this the 10.5 HP was a highly technical car: it weighed some 1,300 pounds (600 kg), had a maximum speed of 45 mph, and was guaranteed to do around 40 miles to the gallon. In 1915 it acquired an electrical system; was modified in 1919, and in 1925 was given brakes on all four wheels–a novelty of which many people were still distrustful. A. Alderson, the original designer, was replaced by L. Shorter, from Humber. Shorter helped modernize the line, designing a larger car (1954 cc) with removable head. The transmission acquired four speeds. Then a 6-cylinder model went into production, but by now the fierce competition among the larger companies, who could afford to wage bitter price wars, forced Calcott into liquidation. Its reputation still lived on, however, The 1920s saw the end of many small firms, unable to make a living from their small clientele.
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