GN [1] (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

G.N. was a British automobile manufacturer that operated from 1910 to 1925, primarily known for producing cyclecars. The company was founded by two engineers, H.R. Godfrey and Archibald Frazer Nash, who had previously worked at Willans & Robinson. They launched their first cyclecar in December 1910, featuring a V-twin engine and belt drive, with most components manufactured in-house, except for the engine and magneto.

Initially, G.N. operated from modest facilities, starting in the stables of Frazer Nash's family home in Hendon, Middlesex. The company later moved to a more suitable industrial estate in Hendon, where they began producing their own V-twin engines. By 1912, they had developed their own inlet-over-exhaust cylinder heads, and the lightweight design of their cars allowed for reasonable performance, achieving a top speed of approximately 60 mph (97 km/h). The company offered various sporting models, including the Vitesse and Grand Prix, the latter of which was inspired by their participation in the 1913 French Cyclecar Grand Prix.

During World War I, G.N. produced around 200 cyclecars, but the post-war period saw a significant increase in production. In 1919, the company was acquired by the British Gregoire Company, which led to the introduction of a steel frame and a more robust production process. At its peak, G.N. produced up to 220 cars in a single month. However, the introduction of the Austin Seven in 1922 and a decline in post-war demand led to financial difficulties.

In 1922, Godfrey and Frazer Nash left the company, which subsequently shifted its focus to mass production of touring cars, a decision that did not resonate well with its traditional customer base. By 1923, G.N. offered a choice of engines but struggled to maintain production, which ceased in May of that year. A few cars were assembled in the following years, but the company ultimately transitioned to a retail outlet for General Motors products by 1929, marking the end of its manufacturing legacy.