Buckler (United Kingdom)

Buckler was a British automotive manufacturer founded by Derek Buckler in 1947, based in Reading, Berkshire. The company aimed to make motorsport accessible to the general public, inspired by Henry Ford's vision of affordable motoring. Buckler's first significant model, the Mk V, was introduced in 1947 and was notable for being the second spaceframe design ever created, following the Cisitalia. It also holds the distinction of being the world's first modern kit car, allowing enthusiasts to convert existing vehicles into sports cars.

Throughout its operation, Buckler produced approximately 500 cars across a dozen designs, with the Ninety, introduced in 1954, being the closest to a production model. This dual-purpose road and racing car featured a low, sleek body but struggled to compete with more established brands like Cooper and Lotus. Buckler cars were utilized for various motorsport activities, including rallies, trials, and hill climbs, particularly during the early 1950s. However, as the availability of cars increased, interest in such activities waned.

The company was known for its high-quality engineering, with competitors like Lotus utilizing Buckler's close-ratio gears. Additionally, Buckler was responsible for constructing the frame of the first Brabham racing car. Despite its initial success, Buckler faced challenges in the late 1950s as it found itself overshadowed by more glamorous and expensive competitors, as well as cheaper alternatives from other suppliers.

In 1959, the arrival of karting in Britain provided a new avenue for motorsport, and Buckler initially found success in this market. However, Derek Buckler's declining health led to the sale of the company in 1962, the same year that the kit car market experienced a significant downturn. The company's decline coincided with Buckler's death, marking the end of an era for the brand.