Douglas [1] (United Kingdom)

Douglas Bros Ltd was established in 1882 in Kingswood, Bristol, initially as a general engineering firm. The company entered the motorcycle industry by supplying engine castings to Joseph Barter for his motorcycles, which were originally named 'Fee' and later 'Fairy'. Following the failure of Barter's business, he joined Douglas and played a significant role in developing the company's range of flat-twin engines. These engines were utilized not only in Douglas motorcycles but also in various other applications over time.

In 1913, Douglas introduced a cyclecar that was notable for its luxurious features and advanced engineering for the period. It included a shaft drive and an air-cooled engine with square bore and stroke dimensions of 88 mm. The cyclecar was priced at £200, which positioned it competitively in the market. During World War I, the company secured government contracts that bolstered its financial stability.

After the war, Douglas expanded its cyclecar offerings, increasing the size, weight, and price of its models. By 1920, the engine capacity had grown to 1223 cc, with prices rising to £400 in 1920 and reaching £500 in 1921 and 1922. However, the high price rendered the cyclecar unviable, leading to the cessation of production shortly thereafter. The company then shifted its focus back to motorcycles, which became its primary product line. Although no original Douglas cyclecars survive today, a replica assembled from parts in the 1940s continues to represent the brand's legacy in this segment.