Bijou (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Bijou was a British automobile manufacturer that operated from 1901 to 1904. The company was based in Eccles, Manchester, and was a subsidiary of the Protector Lamp Lighting Company. Bijou specialized in producing light cars, notably featuring a 5 horsepower single-cylinder horizontal engine.

The design of Bijou cars included a chain drive system connected to a countershaft, which housed the speed-change mechanism. The vehicles utilized two chain sheds that were engaged alternately through internally expanding clutches, with separate clutch pedals for each speed. Notably, the cars did not have a reverse gear, and they could be operated from the driver's seat using a handle.

In addition to passenger vehicles, Bijou also manufactured a fire engine for the Eccles Fire Brigade in 1901, which was powered by a 7 horsepower two-cylinder engine. The company ceased operations shortly thereafter, marking a brief but notable chapter in early automotive history.