Arnold (automobile)

The Arnold was based on the Benz Velo (pictured)

The Arnold was one of the first motor cars manufactured in the United Kingdom. It was produced in East Peckham, Kent between 1896 and 1898.

History

William Arnold & Sons of East Peckham, Kent, was an agricultural engineering company founded in about 1844.[1]

In 1895 they acquired a licence to build Benz cars. As the Arnold Motor Carriage Co. from 1896[2] to 1898.[3] the firm built twelve cars patterned after the Benz but fitted with their own engines.[4] Two Arnolds were exhibited at Crystal Palace in 1896.[3]

One Arnold from 1896 was fitted with the world’s first self-starter, by electrical engineer H. J. Dowsing. This was a dynamotor coupled to the flywheel, designed to assist the car on hills and well as starting the engine,[1]

Two Arnold cars survive.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 G.N. Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.
  2. ↑ Rubashow, Tom (24 October 2008). "Shilling fine for 8 mph dash down high street". Kent and Sussex Courier (Paddock Wood edition) (Courier Media Group Ltd).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Men who sparked the ignition.". brooklands.org.uk. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
  4. ↑ Lawrence, Margaret (1994). Bridge Over the Stream. East Peckham Parish Council. p. 14. ISBN 0-9524828-1-9.
  5. ↑ "Arnold". British Motor Manufacturers. Retrieved 2008-12-21.

Other sources

"Arnold", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885–1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974).

External links