Imperial (car)

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Imperial was the name used for three separate makes of British car.

[edit] Imperial (Manchester) 1901-1906

The Imperial Autocar Manufacturing company was based in Manchester, England. Two cars were introduced in 1901 with either a 3.5hp 2 cylinder engine under the seat or 6hp 2 cylinder engine front mounted.

Later the company sold French Lacoste et Battman models with Imperial bodies. The last ones seem to have been sold around 1906.

[edit] Imperial (Croydon) 1904-1905

Another Imperial was made by the Anti-Vibrator company of Croydon, Surrey. These were electrically powered with a motor in each rear wheel.

[edit] Imperial (London) 1914

The Imperial cyclecar was made by Impolitico, a theatre lighting company in London, for one year only immediately before the First World War. The power came from a 8hp V-twin Precision engine with a "gearbox" giving seven forward speeds and optional reverse using belts and pulleys.

The Model A cost £110 and had reverse, the Model B at £95 did without. About 12 cars were made.