Notes on some of the lesser-known British marques
For a more complete listing visit the British Index.
Sabella
Manufactured by the Sabella Car Co., Albany Street, W.
A RUN ON THE LATEST SABELLA.
WE recently had a run on the latest type of 8 h.p. Sabella cyclecar (the Sabella Car Co., Albany Street, W.) This vehicle is driven by an 8 h.p. J. A. P. engine, as are so many of the light cyclecars now on the road. The engine has an additional external flywheel, and is cooled by a fan driven by round belt off the mainshaft.
The Motor Cycle, 1912.
Safari
Manufactured by Geier
"In the new Safari moped, introduced at the 1958 Earls Court Show, Stuart and Payne Ltd. appear to have a real winner, for this German machine - powered by the well-tried Sachs engine in either two- or three-speed forms - offers a superb performance, coupled with a simplicity of design which argues both durability and freedom from adjustments."
Scammell
Scammell Lorries introduced its "Mechanical Horse" in 1934. Built for the London and North Eastern Railway, the vehicle was designed by O.D North.
This was a large 3-wheeler with wooden cabin mounted on a steel chassis, available with either a 3 ton or 6 ton payload capacity.
Powered by 1125cc and 2043cc engines (for the 3 and 6 ton models respectively), they had a single front wheel which could rotate 360 degrees making it highly maneuverable.
In 1967 it was replaced by the Scammell Townsman which ceased production in 1968.
Note: The Scammell was also made under licence in France by Chenard-Walcker as the FAR Pony Mécanique, which utilised a Citroen engine.
Source: 3-wheelers.com
Scootacar by Hunslet 1958-1964
Scout Engines
Manufactured by United Motor Industries of 45, Great Marlborough St, London, W. in 1904.
Founded in 1899, the firm was the UK agent for Tony Huber cars. They had a branch in France at Rue Meyerbeer, Paris.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, et al.
Sgonina 1922-23
Sheffield Minor 1915
Siderider 1970s
Stainless
A Stainless flat-twin engine is fitted to a 1911 Zenith in the Thomson Museum in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Embossed on the crankcase is "Stainless Motor Co Ltd / Stainless England"
Source: oldbikemag.com.au
Stella of Ipswich 1960-1963
Stimson
Manufactured by Barry Stimson from 1976 to 1980, the three-wheeler was powered by a Morris Mini 850cc engine and gearbox mounted in a Mini subframe. The front-mounted engine powered the front wheels. The bodywork was fibreglass, the occupants were exposed to the weather as it had no roof. The engine was also exposed, but a cover was available as an option.
The Stimson seated three and was classed as a motorcycle sidecar combination under UK regulations. The machine was sold complete, and also in kit form by Noovoh Developments of Brighton. Around 30 were built.
Other designs included the Stimson Mini Bug, the Stimson Safari Six, and the Stimson Trek.
Barry Stimson died in 2022 at the age of 82.
Sources: 3-wheelers.com, en.wikipedia.org, maximummini.blogspot.com.
Surrey Sidecars
Manufactured by Surrey Sidecars Ltd, Station Works, Coulsdon, Surrey, 1955-1961
Edward Ford built a variety of sidecars including the Sylvan "caravan", the Rambler De Luxe and the Coulsdon.
Sources: reddevilmotors.blogspot.com, contemporary advertising, et al
Streamline Sidecars
Manufactured at Tubela Works, Fowler Road Hainault, Ilford, Essex - 1950s-1960s
Models for 1960: Regal, Royal, Regent, Roebuck, Renown.
Source: reddevilmotors.blogspot.com
Sutherland
Built by Mr E Sutherland, this unique machine was powered by the 500cc Excelsior Talisman triple which usually powered the Berkeley.
Sources: Brian Avery, et al.
Syko
Built by Graham Sykes Performance Engineering, UK
Three wheeler competition sprint racer.
The Syko was originally a motorcycle sprinter with a 3.5 litre Rover V8 engine. In 2005 it gained a 5 litre V8, and in 2006 it was converted to a trike.
From their website:
Great attention to detail has been taken in the construction of ‘The Syko’ making it one of the most individual machines to race over the quarter mile.
The page goes on to mention Roger Goring’s Jet Funny Car "Firestorm" and Alex Macfadzean's world motorcycle land speed record attempt.
Source: sykoracing.com
Rarer British Marques
