Arnott (United Kingdom)

Arnott’s Garages (Harlesden) Ltd was a British automotive manufacturer based in London, active from 1951 to 1957. Founded by Daphne Arnott, who was the heiress to a garage specializing in tuning equipment and superchargers, the company initially focused on the production of Formula Three racing cars. In 1951, Arnott and her works manager designed a 500cc Formula Three car characterized by its simple ladder frame and all-independent suspension. Although only six units were produced, these cars were notable for their fibreglass bodies and for being the first European single-seaters to feature seat belts as standard equipment.

In 1955, the company transitioned from racing to sports car production, using the Formula Three chassis as the foundation for a new model. This sports car, which featured a fibreglass body and a front-mounted engine, was designed to accommodate various power units, with the Austin A35 engine being a common choice among the seven cars produced. Daphne Arnott gained recognition in the automotive press for her role as a female constructor, particularly when an Arnott car powered by a Coventry Climax engine was entered in the 1955 Le Mans race, marking her as the first woman to construct a vehicle for a World Championship class. Unfortunately, the car crashed during practice.

In 1956, Arnott produced a single sports racing car with a spaceframe and cross-over suspension, which was sold as a road car. The company’s final endeavor came in 1957 with the introduction of a Climax-powered GT car, which was also entered at Le Mans. However, this vehicle did not complete the race, marking the end of Arnott’s brief but notable presence in the automotive industry.