Vintage British Motorcycles
"And 'tis no little reason bids us speed" Henry IV, Act 1
Anny Deim
Notes on some of the rarer British marques
This page lists brands for which we currently have only an historical precis.
For a more complete listing visit the British Index.
G.A.C.S. 1907
Glasgow Auto Cycle Services
An example is displayed at the Myreton Motor Museum in Aberlady, Scotland
Garrard Sidecars 1926-1961
Gemini Sidecars
Manufactured by Fred Yates from the 1980s to the early 2000s, they were based on the coachbuilt designs of the 1950s and 60s and included a very attractive fully-enclosed tandem two-seater. It is said he also produced 3- and 4-seater models.
Sources: Hal Kendall, et al.
Gilcolt
Manufactured by Ricketts, a Reliant dealer in Streatham.
Production began in 1972 using a Reliant Regal frame and componentry with a custom GRP body featuring gullwing doors. Available as a kit and as a complete car, not a great many of the 3-wheelers were produced.
Source: 3-wheelers.com
Girling 3-Wheeler, 1913
Givaudan
Givaudan is listed as a British firm by Tragatsch and others. Although at least two British firms are known to have fitted these French engines, there is no evidence to suggest that there was a British marque of this name, nor a subsidiary of the French concern in the UK.
Further information on this topic may be found in the notes on the French Givaudan firm.
GN Cyclecars, 1910-1925
Gnat
Manufactured by by Aimers McLean & Co Ltd, Scotland, c.1968~1978.
Akin to a golf cart, the Gnat three-wheeler was powered by a Briggs and Stratton industrial engine which drove the rear wheels via a 3-speed Albion gearbox. It had tiller steering, excellent brakes, good ground clearance and wide tyres. Load capacity was 650 lbs.
Source: 3-wheelers.com
GMS
Geoff Monty was a successful racer and motorcycle parts specialist who developed a series of racing motorcycles. The GMS Special used a heavily modified BSA Goldstar engine of 250cc. In partnership with Allen Dudley-Ward the Monward Triumph was produced in 500 and 650cc versions (the fastest of which was believed capable of 145mph), and in 1966 a Rickman Metisse-framed Triumph appeared.
Monty died in 2009, aged 92.
Source: Wikipedia
Gordon Three-wheelers, 1954-1958
Graisley Sidecars 1920s-1930s
Graham
"Messrs. Graham Sidecars, of Kingston-on-Thames, exhibited an all-metal trader's body fitted to their well-known and immensely strong sidecar frame. For this body the centre of gravity is brought lower than usual, thus giving greater stability when bulky loads have to be carried. This outfit is also easily convertible for pleasure uses."
Commercial Motor Magazine. 1925
Grinnall
Manufactured by Grinnall Specialist Cars, Worcestershire.
Their first 3-wheeler was the Scorpion 3, introduced in 1992.
The Scorpion 3, with a single rear wheel, has used four-cylinder BMW engines including the K100 1000cc 8v, K1200 1200cc 16v, and K1300S and can achieve very substantial speed.
Bodywork is Kevlar reinforced fibreglass mounted on a tubular steel frame. Brakes are from a Cosworth Sierra and rear suspension is BMW Paralever.
The firm has also produced a Triumph-powered Grinnall TR 8 4-wheeler, and a variety of trikes.
Sources: 3-wheelers.com, grinallcars.com, grinnalltrikes.co.uk
Grosvenor Sidecars
Manufactured by The Grosvenor Motor Company, Bradford Street, West Bolton. 1912-1921
Source: period advertising
Guillodat 1905
GWK
Manufactured by GWK of Maidenhead.
The firm built cyclecars powered by Coventry Climax engines, and in 1927 produced a few examples of a three-wheeled microcar named the Grice which featured a 680cc JAP V-twin.
Sources: 3-wheelers.com, Graces Guide.
Rarer British Marques
