Calcott (United Kingdom)

Calcott Bros Ltd. was a British automobile manufacturer based in Coventry, active from 1913 until 1926. The company originated as Calcott & West in 1886, initially producing bicycles and roller skates. The founders, William and James Calcott along with Enoch West, later ventured into the automotive industry, launching their first motorcycle in 1904 and transitioning to car production shortly thereafter.

The first Calcott car, introduced in 1913, featured a 10.5 horsepower four-cylinder side-valve engine designed by Arthur Alderson, a former engineer at Singer. The vehicle was well-received for its quality and performance, competing effectively in the light car market against brands like Morris and Standard. Calcott did not manufacture its own bodies; instead, it outsourced this work to various coachbuilders, including Hollick & Pratt and Cross & Ellis. The 10.5hp model remained in production until 1917, primarily serving military needs during World War I.

Post-war, Calcott revived its production with an updated model featuring a larger engine, the 11.9hp, which was introduced alongside the return of the 10.5hp variant in 1922. The company continued to innovate, launching a model with a detachable cylinder head and four-wheel brakes in 1923. However, this model, designated 12724, suffered from reliability issues, particularly with its rear axles, which tarnished the brand's reputation.

Despite initial post-war financial success, including a 40 percent dividend payout, Calcott's fortunes declined by 1925. The company faced challenges with rising production costs and a failed attempt to introduce a new six-cylinder model, the 16/50, which ultimately led to its bankruptcy. The factory, established in 1896 and later recognized as a listed building, was acquired by Singer in 1926, although Calcott's voluntary liquidation was not finalized until 1927. Throughout its operational years, Calcott produced approximately 2,500 vehicles, with fewer than 20 surviving today.