Caldwell-Vale (Australia)

Caldwell-Vale MotorTractor Co. Ltd. was established in Auburn, New South Wales, in 1913. The company was founded by Felix Caldwell, who had a keen interest in four-wheel drive technology, particularly for agricultural applications. His brother, Norman Caldwell, emphasized the necessity of this technology for farm tractors, which led to the design of a motor-plough that demonstrated potential for commercial viability.

Initially proposed in 1909, the idea for a new company did not gain sufficient traction until a 7-ton, 80-horsepower unit was constructed as a road tractor. This prototype garnered attention when it successfully hauled a seven-trailer road train for an entertainment troupe. Following this, the project relocated to Sydney, where Caldwell-Vale partnered with the locomotive manufacturer Henry Vak & Sons to produce road tractors equipped with four-wheel drive and power-assisted steering.

In 1913, the company developed a car featuring a four-cylinder, 4310cc engine that produced 32 horsepower, along with a four-speed gearbox. This vehicle utilized the four-wheel drive system in combination with four-wheel steering. After undergoing tests on sand hills at Botany, the car was deployed for work on a property in Queensland. Despite these advancements, Caldwell-Vale MotorTractor Co. Ltd. prioritized the production of road tractors. The company ultimately faced challenges and was voluntarily liquidated in 1916 following legal disputes.