Calthorpe (United Kingdom)

Calthorpe Motor Co. Ltd was a British automobile manufacturer based in Birmingham, active from 1905 until 1926. The company originated from the bicycle industry, founded by George W. Hands, who initially established a bicycle business in the 1890s. This venture evolved through several name changes, ultimately becoming the Minstrel & Rea Cycle Co. in 1905, which marked the transition into automobile production.

The first automobile produced by Calthorpe was a 10 horsepower, four-cylinder light car, introduced at the London Agricultural Hall Show in February 1905. This model was soon upgraded to a 12/14 horsepower version, powered by a White & Poppe engine, which remained in production for three years. In 1907, the company expanded its lineup with the introduction of the 28/40 model, also utilizing White & Poppe engines. Calthorpe became a limited company in 1906 and relocated its manufacturing operations to new facilities in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.

Calthorpe diversified its offerings by entering the motorcycle market in 1909, rebranding as the Calthorpe Motor Cycle Co. Ltd, which continued operations until 1938. The company also acquired another Birmingham car manufacturer, Mobile, in 1907, integrating its management into Calthorpe's operations. By 1908, Calthorpe had switched to Alpha as its engine supplier, producing a 16/20 horsepower model alongside a smaller 12/14 horsepower variant for taxi services.

The company participated in continental racing events prior to World War I, competing in the Coupe de l'Auto with modified production cars, although it did not achieve significant success. In November 1913, Calthorpe launched its most notable model, the 9.5 horsepower Calthorpe Minor, which featured a distinctive design and was powered by a 1,094 cc four-cylinder engine of their own manufacture. The company expanded its production capabilities during the war, focusing on munitions, and resumed car manufacturing in 1919 with the introduction of the 10.5 horsepower model.

Despite initial success, Calthorpe faced declining sales by the early 1920s, leading to reduced production rates. George Hands departed in 1921 to pursue his own automotive venture but returned to Calthorpe shortly thereafter. The company attempted to innovate with new models, including the Calthorpe Six Type C, but these efforts were insufficient to revitalize the business. The Bordesley Green factory closed in late 1924, and despite attempts to sell the company, it ceased operations in 1926. Although a new entity, Calthorpe Motor Spares Ltd, was formed, it did not produce any vehicles. Today, fewer than ten Calthorpe cars are believed to survive.