Fairthorpe (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Fairthorpe Ltd was an automotive manufacturer founded in 1954 by Air Vice-Marshal Don Bennett, a notable RAF war hero. The company was initially based in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, before relocating to Gerrards Cross and later to Denham, where it operated until 1973. Fairthorpe specialized in producing small sports cars and kit cars, primarily utilizing components from other manufacturers.

The company's first model, the rear-engined Atom, was marketed as a sporty bubble car and offered with various BSA engines ranging from 250 to 650cc. However, it struggled to attract buyers and was eventually succeeded by the front-engined Atomota, which also failed to make a significant impact in the market. In 1956, Fairthorpe introduced the Electron, a kit car based on the Atomota chassis, featuring a Microplas Mistral body and an 1100cc Coventry Climax FWA engine. Approximately 30 units were produced, with some later models featuring a Fairthorpe body.

The Electron Minor followed, designed as a two-seater sports car using Standard Ten components. It was considered a precursor to the Austin-Healey Sprite, although it did not possess the same appeal. The Electron Minor initially sold well, with production reaching up to five units per week, but competition from the Sprite, which was priced lower, hindered its long-term success. The Electron Minor remained available as a component car until 1973, with around 500 units sold. During the early 1960s, Fairthorpe also offered a 2+2 coupé version called the Electrina, of which about 20 were made.

In 1960, Fairthorpe launched the Zeta, which featured a tuned Ford Zephyr engine in an Electron chassis. Despite its performance capabilities, only about 20 units were produced due to issues with build quality and design. This model was followed by the Rockette, equipped with a 70bhp Triumph Vitesse engine, with approximately 25 units manufactured between 1963 and 1967.

In 1967, Don Bennett's son, Torix, introduced the TX range, which featured innovative suspension design to improve handling. The TX models were built on Triumph GT6 underpinnings, with production reaching up to two dozen units. After 1970, the TX range was established as a separate marque, although it continued to be officially branded as Fairthorpe. The company has remained inactive for many years, with a revival attempt in the late 1980s, but it still exists as a legal entity.