Adams [2] (United Kingdom)

Adams Manufacturing Co. Ltd was established in Bedford, England, in 1899 by A.H. Adams, initially focusing on the production of electrical equipment. In collaboration with American Edward Ringwood Hewitt, the company ventured into automobile manufacturing, leading to the creation of the Adams-Hewitt brand. The first vehicle, launched in 1905, featured a 1724cc single-cylinder engine and a distinctive 2-speed epicyclic transmission, which was marketed with the slogan "Pedals to Push, That’s All." The design of the cars typically included short bonnets, although some models were designed as forward-control landaulets for urban use.

In 1906, Adams expanded its offerings to include a range of 2- and 4-cylinder vehicles equipped with vertical front-mounted engines. The introduction of sliding mesh gearboxes in 1907 marked a significant technological advancement, and one of their cars was notably supplied to the Emperor of Abyssinia. Among the more ambitious projects was a short-lived 32hp V8 engine, derived from a French Antoinette aero engine, which featured automatically-operated inlet valves. This V8 engine was also utilized in the Hewitt model produced in New York, although production was limited to approximately 11 units.

By 1909, the single-cylinder model was phased out in favor of a 10hp twin known as the Varsity. The company adopted a more conventional approach, incorporating Coventry Simplex and Aster engines into a variety of 4- and 6-cylinder models ranging from 14/16 to 30hp. In 1913, a new light car was introduced, reverting to the earlier horizontal underfloor engine layout with a 10/12hp 2-cylinder engine, but it struggled to attract buyers. The company faced a significant setback with the death of A.H. Adams in the Titanic disaster. Ultimately, the Adams car brand did not survive the challenges of World War I, although the Igranic Works continued its operations in electrical equipment, eventually evolving into Brookhirst-Igranic, which remains active today.