Alford & Alder

Alford and Alder (Engineers) Ltd. (established 1925 in Hemel Hempstead - closed 1969) was a British automotive engineering company, specializing in suspension, brake and steering gear components. It achieved early fame for supplying Malcolm Campbell's speed-record making Bluebird (1927–1935).[1].

It changed name to Alforder Newton Ltd (1959) as it was acquired by Standard Motor Company, a purchase that financially troubled the buyer greatly.[2]. A rack and pinion steering setup was used in the Triumph TR4 and Triumph Spitfire which, together with the Herald steering column, became one of the most widely-used assemblies in the British specialist car industry during the 1950s and 1960s, including Turner and TVR. Even the Lotus lineup - Elan, Plus2, Europa - used the Alford & Alder steering rack, column and uprights. They also made suspension components for the Maserati 3500.

Alford & Alder was part of Leyland Cars through its SU Butec division in the 1970s and expanded to make Truck front axle assemblies at its Eastman Way site. The company operated at the two Hemel Hempstead sites until at least 1980.

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