Carlette (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Carlette was a British automobile manufacturer established in 1913, based in Wcybridge, Surrey. The company was known for producing a unique cyclecar model, which featured a distinctive design and engineering approach.

The Carlette cyclecar was powered by a V-twin engine, which was notable for its innovative use of a rubber belt drive system. This system connected the engine to a countershaft, allowing for variable gearing through a mechanism that could be adjusted by a small wheel located outside the body on the off-side. The final drive was also executed via a belt, specifically to the off-side rear wheel. The design included the option for a double belt drive, which was preferred by some contemporary reviewers.

The prototype of the Carlette cyclecar was characterized by its simple body design, lacking features such as lights or wings, which reflected the minimalist approach of early 20th-century automotive design. Despite its innovative features, Carlette's production and market presence were limited, and the brand did not achieve significant longevity in the automotive industry.