Belle (United Kingdom)

Belle was a British automobile brand that operated between 1901 and 1903, founded by E.J. Coles & Co. in Upper Holloway, London. The brand is noted for its unique design features and engineering innovations during its brief existence.

The Belle automobile was equipped with a 6-horsepower single-cylinder engine, which was mounted under a short bonnet and inclined forward. The vehicle utilized a belt-driven transmission system that connected to a countershaft, allowing for three forward speeds, with final drive achieved through chains. A distinctive aspect of the Belle was its wheel steering, which was centrally mounted in the frame, enabling the car to be driven from either the left or right side, although it was most comfortably operated from the center position. The design included a rear-entrance tonneau body.

The origins of the Belle brand remain somewhat ambiguous. While E.J. Coles was credited with marketing the Belle car, it is unclear whether he was the manufacturer. There were suggestions that the vehicle may have had Swiss origins. By 1904, the Belle was no longer in production, as Coles transitioned to selling Swiss-made vehicles from the WYSS company, which later became known as BERNA. Notably, a Belle was recognized as the first car to be driven onto a London stage at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square in 1901.