Chater-Lea (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Chater-Lea was a British automotive manufacturer based in London, primarily known for its motorcycles and components produced from 1900 to 1935. The company ventured into car production during two distinct phases, with its automotive efforts being overshadowed by its motorcycle business.

The first car model, the Carette, was introduced in 1907. This vehicle was a two-seater powered by a 6-horsepower air-cooled V-twin Sarolca engine, which was mounted amidships on the off-side and utilized chain drive to one rear wheel. The Carette remained available in 1908, priced at 95 guineas (£99.75), but Chater-Lea did not pursue extensive production of this model.

In 1913, Chater-Lea announced a new light car featuring a shaft-driven system powered by an 8-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This model continued into the 1920s, although the company primarily focused on its motorcycle production. Most of the components for Chater-Lea vehicles were manufactured in the company's large nine-storey factory located on Banner Street in the City of London. Despite its limited car production, Chater-Lea contributed to the early automotive landscape in the UK before ceasing operations in the 1930s.