Beardmore (United Kingdom)

Beardmore Motors Ltd was a British automobile manufacturer based in Glasgow, Scotland, that operated from 1919 to 1928. The company was a subsidiary of William Beardmore & Co. Ltd, which was one of Scotland's largest steel producers and also engaged in shipbuilding. Sir William Beardmore, who became Lord Inverclyde, was a significant figure in the automotive industry, having been the largest shareholder in the Arrol-Johnston company since 1902. His firm supplied chassis to various car manufacturers, maintaining an interest in Arrol-Johnston until its closure in 1929.

In 1919, Beardmore launched its own line of automobiles, which included three distinct models produced in different factories. The 11.4hp model, equipped with a 1486cc engine, was manufactured in a former fuse factory in Anniesland, Glasgow. The 2413cc Fifteen was produced at the former Underwood works of Arrol-Johnston in Paisley, while the 4-litre Thirty was assembled in Coatbridge. The Fifteen model gained recognition primarily as a taxicab rather than a private vehicle. The engines for these models initially included a skew-gear shaft-driven single overhead cam (OHC) unit, which faced reliability issues and was later replaced by a side-valve engine.

Throughout its production run, Beardmore made several modifications to its vehicles. In 1923, the company transitioned from skew gear to chain drive, and by 1924, the engine size was increased to 1962cc. A notable achievement occurred in 1924 when a single-seater powered by this engine, driven by Cyril Paul, set a record at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb. However, by 1925, the OHC models were phased out, and a side-valve 16/40 model was produced in limited quantities until 1929. By that time, Beardmore had manufactured approximately 6,000 taxis, while the total production of all car types was around 500.

Vehicle production in Scotland ceased in 1929, but the company continued to produce taxis at a London facility, which had originally served as a service center for Beardmore cars, until 1967.