Charley (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Charley Cars Ltd. was an Australian automobile manufacturer based in Malvern, Victoria, that operated from 1911 to 1914. The company was founded by J.J. Charley, who transitioned from farming to automotive engineering, motivated by the challenges faced by vehicles in rural environments.

Charley's innovative approach involved the development of a complex drive and suspension system. This system featured wheels attached to long swinging arms, with springing facilitated by bell cranks and long coil springs positioned between the front and rear wheels. The design allowed for versatility in drive configurations, including rear-wheel, front-wheel, and four-wheel drive, utilizing bevel gears and shafts that ran within the arms.

A demonstration vehicle was constructed and showcased in Europe, where it garnered interest from the French manufacturer Berliet. Berliet conducted tests on the concept and provided chassis for additional models. One such vehicle, equipped with a body from Damyon Bros, was sold to New Zealand. Despite initial interest and several orders from pastoral firms, Charley Cars Ltd. ultimately faced challenges that led to its downfall. Internal disagreements among directors and the high production costs associated with the intricate drive system, which included 15 bevel gears for the four-wheel drive configuration, hindered the company's commercial viability.