Dayton (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Dayton was a British automobile manufacturer that operated briefly in the early 1920s. Founded by Charles Day, the company was based in Shoreditch, London, before relocating to North Kensington. Dayton specialized in producing a very light single-seater cyclecar, known simply as the Day.

The Dayton cyclecar was powered by a 4-horsepower single-cylinder Blackburne engine. It featured a chain drive connected to a three-speed gearbox, with final drive to a single rear wheel achieved through a belt system. The vehicle was priced modestly at £115, making it an accessible option for consumers at the time. Dayton showcased its product at the Olympia Show in 1921, highlighting its innovative design and engineering.

Despite its promising start, the company struggled to sustain operations and ceased production within a year, in 1922. The brief existence of Dayton reflects the challenges faced by many small manufacturers in the competitive automotive market of the early 20th century.