Bell [1] (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Bell was a British automobile manufacturer that operated from 1905 to 1926. Founded by the Bell brothers, who were also involved in the Calder Ironworks located in Ravensthorpe, Yorkshire, the company initially produced cars designed by Edwin Humphries. The first model, introduced in 1905, featured an 8/10 horsepower two-cylinder engine and a three-speed gearbox. This model was noted for being heavier than typical vehicles in its class.

Throughout its early years, Bell expanded its lineup to include larger cars equipped with four-cylinder engines, offering models with outputs of 16, 20, 24, and 30 horsepower. The 16hp variant gained some popularity as a taxicab, although overall production was limited, and the vehicles were primarily sold within Yorkshire.

In 1919, the company sought to revive its earlier models, including the 16, 20, and 30hp cars. However, the designs were acquired by the Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS), which began production in a factory in Manchester. While the majority of the output consisted of commercial vehicles, a small number of 16hp cars were manufactured for CWS officials and potentially for retail customers. Additionally, two models featuring Dorman engines were produced: a 4-litre 25hp in 1922 and a 2.6-litre 15.9hp in 1923, sometimes referred to as CWS-Bell. Production of these models continued until 1926, although it is uncertain if any vehicles were made in that final year.