British (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

The British Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd was a short-lived automobile manufacturer based in London and Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, operating from 1905 to 1907. The company produced vehicles that were primarily constructed using imported components, with the engine sourced from the German FAFNIR company.

The initial offerings from British Motor & Engineering included the Model A, which featured a 6-horsepower two-cylinder engine, and the Model B, equipped with a four-cylinder engine rated at 10/12 horsepower. Notably, these models incorporated advanced features for their time, such as a steering-column gear change and a starting mechanism that could be operated from the driver's seat. However, this starting mechanism was mechanical, utilizing a crank handle connected to the engine via a chain, in contrast to the electrical starting systems that became more common in later years.

Despite the innovative features of its vehicles, the company struggled with sales and was unable to sustain production, leading to its cessation of operations after just two seasons.