Dolphin [1] (United Kingdom)

The Two-Stroke Engine Co. Ltd was established in Shoreham, Sussex, in 1906 by Ralph Ricardo. The company initially focused on manufacturing marine engines, primarily catering to the local fishing fleet, as well as producing engines for racing boats, yachts, and barges. The design of these engines was spearheaded by Harry Ricardo, Ralph's cousin, who was an advocate of two-stroke engine technology.

In its early stages, the company proposed a 15-horsepower two-cylinder engine; however, this design was deemed inadequate for the heavier coachwork of a tourer that had been ordered by a friend. Consequently, Harry Ricardo developed a more powerful 25.8-horsepower four-cylinder engine for the company's automobiles, which were branded as Dolphin, a name inspired by the local marine life in the Shoreham area. The production of the engines and gearboxes was outsourced to Lloyd & Plaister, located in Wood Green, North London, while the chassis were supplied by Thornycroft, a company with familial ties to the Ricardo family.

Dolphin vehicles were showcased at the Olympia Shows in 1908 and 1909, but production numbers remained low, with estimates suggesting that only about 12 four-cylinder cars were manufactured, alongside a single 15-horsepower two-cylinder prototype. The company faced challenges related to supplier issues and a lack of financial backing from family members, which ultimately led to its closure in October 1909. Following the company's dissolution, Lloyd & Plaister acquired the rights to the smaller two-cylinder engine, which they subsequently utilized in their Vox cyclecar, of which approximately 50 units were produced.