Firefly (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Firefly Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd was a British automobile manufacturer based in Croydon, Surrey, that operated from 1902 to 1904. The company initially focused on producing light cars that were shaft-driven and powered by 6hp Aster or De Dion-Bouton engines. Despite their efforts, the production of these vehicles remained limited, leading Firefly to pivot towards the manufacture of commercial vehicles, which they deemed a more viable market.

In addition to their light cars, Firefly produced a small number of larger models until 1904. These included vehicles equipped with chain drives and 9 or 12hp two-cylinder Herald engines, as well as more powerful options featuring 16 and 24hp four-cylinder engines. The company was also known for its innovative Firefly Portable Auto-Elevator, a device designed to lift heavy loads from the ground to the vehicle's floor level, utilizing either manual or engine power.

One notable figure associated with Firefly was William Glass, who later gained recognition for his contributions to the automotive industry through the publication of Glass's Guide, a comprehensive reference for motor trade professionals. Despite its brief existence, Firefly's endeavors in both automotive and engineering sectors reflected the early experimentation and development within the burgeoning automobile industry in the early 20th century.