Clarkson (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Clarkson & Capel Steam Car Syndicate Ltd was established in 1899 in Dalston, London, and operated until 1902. The company was founded by Thomas Clarkson, who was primarily recognized for manufacturing steam commercial vehicles, particularly buses, rather than passenger cars. Clarkson's early work included a notable collaboration with Herbert Capel, who had designed a petrol car sold under his own name. Together, they produced a distinctive steam-powered barouche, which featured a body suspended by C-springs on an underframe that housed all the machinery. This vehicle utilized a compound vertical engine that ran on paraffin fuel and was positioned at the rear of the frame, with the driver seated behind the passengers in a hansom cab configuration.

In 1902, Clarkson relocated to Chelmsford, Essex, where he continued to produce steam cars, typically powered by 12-horsepower, two-cylinder engines. These vehicles were commonly referred to as "Chelmsfords" and were often designed with bodies resembling those of station buses, featuring inward-facing seats. However, production numbers were limited, and Clarkson ultimately shifted his focus back to steam buses. At the height of his operations, Clarkson's fleet in London comprised 173 vehicles. The company remained active until the mid-1920s, marking a brief but notable chapter in the history of steam vehicle manufacturing.