Brooks & Woollan / Doru (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Brooks & Woollan was a British automobile manufacturer based in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, that operated from 1907 to 1910. The company specialized in bespoke car construction, offering customized vehicles built with proprietary parts tailored to the preferences and budgets of individual customers.

The firm was notable for its association with Bernard Sccretan, a surgeon at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, who had a keen interest in motor vehicles. Sccretan was recognized for achieving the first ascent of Porlock Hill in 1906 with a 7hp White and Poppe-engined Swift. In 1908, he commissioned a 15.9hp car from Brooks & Woollan, which featured a two-seater Victoria body. This vehicle garnered positive feedback during overseas tours and was also raced in a stripped-down version at Brooklands.

Despite the initial success and the unique branding of the Doru, which translated to "spear" in Greek, the company struggled to attract a broader customer base. Consequently, Brooks & Woollan shifted its focus towards coachbuilding, particularly on larger De Dion Bouton chassis. Eventually, the firm transitioned into Caversham Motors Ltd., where it continued to thrive in the automotive industry.