1926-1979
1901-1914
1919-1966
1923-1934
Illustration by Robert Crumb
1926-1940
1912 - 1940
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.
Orwell
Manufactured by Ransome Sims and Jeffries in 1919, the Orwell was an electric sidecar combination with the batteries located below the sidecar passenger seat. The machine was registered for road use and tested, but does not appear to have progressed further than prototype.
Source: Graces Guide
Ostler
Craftsmanship Models Ltd. of Ipswich sold plans for a 25cc bicycle engine for 10/6d (ten shillings and sixpence). Development of the project began around 1941 or 42, and the plans were advertised in the late 1940s and early 50s.
An example of an autocycle powered by an Ostler engine has been displayed at the Ipswich Transport Museum (ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk).
Source: globalnet.co.uk
Oxford, 1899
The Oxford motor bicycle, a machine with a motor carried over the front wheel, which it drives with a chain, very much after the style of the Werner motocyclette, which machine it is probably an improvement upon, and the Oxford motor car, built either as a three or four-wheeler, at £90 and £95 respectively.
From a report on the 1899 Motor Show (Cordingley)
Source: Graces Guide
Rarer British Marques
