Britannia [3] (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Britannia Can Ltd. was a British automobile manufacturer based in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, that operated from 1957 to 1960. Founded by Acland Geddes, a wealthy car enthusiast, the company aimed to produce a Gran Turismo (GT) car at a time when this class was still emerging in the United Kingdom. To achieve this, Geddes commissioned designer John Tojeiro, who was known for his work in the racing sector, particularly in the Formula Junior category.

The Britannia GT featured a tubular chassis and all-independent suspension, which were advanced for its time. It was powered by a Ford Zephyr engine, modified by Raymond Mays, that produced approximately 110 horsepower. The car's body was made of fiberglass, which was visually appealing but not particularly remarkable in terms of design. Despite its technical specifications, the Britannia GT struggled to find a market niche, partly due to its high price of £2,400, which was over £400 more than the Jaguar XK150.

The lack of clear direction and planning for the project contributed to the company's downfall. When the Britannia GT was launched in 1958, it failed to attract sufficient buyers, and by 1960, Britannia Can Ltd. ceased operations after producing only six cars, not all of which were completed.