Trojan (automobile)

He got the idea to make a simple, economical car that would be easy to drive and started design work in 1910.

Solid tyres were used, (even though these were antiquated for car use), to prevent punctures and very long springs used to give some comfort.

In 1920 the first series of six cars was made from a works in Croydon and the final production version was shown at the 1922 London Motor Show.

An agreement was reached with Leyland Motors to produce the cars at their Kingston upon Thames factory, where work on reconditioning former Royal Air Force wartime trucks was running down.

and calculated that over 200 miles (320 km) it would cost more in shoes and socks than to cover the distance by Trojan car.

[1] In spite of new body styles, sales of the cars were falling, so a new model, the RE, or Rear Engine, capable of 45 mph (72 km/h), was announced in 1931.

[1] A final attempt was the Wayfarer of 1934, with the engine back in the middle, but fitted with a three-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

[1] Leslie Hounsfield had left the company in 1930 to set up a new enterprise making, amongst other things, the "Safari" camp bed,[1] which would be made in thousands during the Second World War.

Trojan Ltd continued to make vans until war broke out, and during hostilities made bomb racks and parachute containers.

Although preceded by the Second World War military Welbike and later Corgi for the civilian market, it was one of the earliest to be sold in kit form, thus avoiding purchase tax.

The first printed mention of the Trobike is June 1960 and the first road test published on Thursday 22 December 1960 in Motor Cycling with Scooter Weekly.

The twist grip on early machines (as appear on factory literature) was manufactured by Amal with the cable entering parallel to the handlebars.

The bashplate was dual purpose: to stop dirt entering the air filter, and also to protect the carburettor from damage.

The starting is by recoil starter, power being delivered to the rear wheel through an automatic centrifugal clutch which comes into effect upon opening of the throttle.

Trobikes have an eye-catching colour scheme – white frames, forks, handlebars, and wheels – yellow engines – red chain/mudguards.