Gainsborough (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Gainsborough Motor Engineering Co. Ltd was a British automobile manufacturer based in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, that operated briefly between 1902 and 1903. The company produced a distinctive vehicle characterized by its innovative engineering and design.

The Gainsborough car featured a 16-horsepower horizontal four-cylinder engine, which was notably mounted under the floorboards. This engine design was complex, as described by The Motor Car Journal, which noted that it utilized connecting rods positioned outside the cylinder. These rods were attached to a shaft that traversed the cylinder and piston, effectively transferring power to the crankshaft. The cylinder itself had slots that matched the length of the stroke, contributing to the engine's unique operation.

The vehicle was equipped with a chain drive system connected to a two-speed gearbox, with final drive also achieved through chain mechanisms. The body style, known as the Duchess, was a four-seater tonneau, which could be adapted into an aluminum closed brougham, showcasing the versatility of the design. Despite its short production run, Gainsborough Motor Engineering Co. Ltd contributed to the early automotive landscape with its innovative approach to car manufacturing.