THE EARLY YEARS

Left and above: Two ads for Stirling Cars dating from 1901 & 02

Stirling Cars were one of a number of Scottish companies which began producing cars in the early years of the 20th Century. Their wonderfully named “John O’ Groater” was promoted as a car “for hard work” and was available at a lower price than their de luxe light car -although 155 guineas was still a considerable amount of money at the time, even for a well-off family

The adverts and catalogue shown for Argyll Motors Ltd date from between 1905 & 1908

Argyll Motors Ltd. was established in 1899 by Alex Govan, producing their first car, the Argyll Voiturette, inspired by Renault. The car featured a de Dion engine, and 1901 models had an upgraded 5 hp engine. The company moved to a purpose-built factory in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire in 1906, and emerged as Scotland’s biggest marque. However, after Govan’s death in 1907, the company declined and went into liquidation in 1908.

Production resumed in 1910 under the name Argylls Ltd., introducing new models like the “Flying Fifteen” and six-cylinder. They also incorporated four-wheel brakes and Sleeve valve engines in their range by 1914.

The Arrol-Johnston Motor Company was a prominent automobile manufacturer that played a significant role in the early days of the automotive industry. Founded in 1896 in Paisley, Scotland, by George Johnston and Sir William Arrol, the company initially focused on manufacturing bicycles before venturing into automobile production.

The first Arrol-Johnston car was a six-seater “Dogcart”, which went into production at a factory at Camlachie, in the East End of Glasgow.

In 1907 Arrol-Johnston were engaged to produce a car for the British South Polar Expedition, and it did make it to Antarctica, though it was of limited use except on hard ice.

Despite their success, the company faced financial challenges in the 1920s, leading to its eventual closure in 1931.

The Skeoch utility car was one of Scotland’s first affordable cars and was built in Dalbeattie in 1921 by car designer, James Baird Skeoch. The car provided a comfortable two-seater which was suitable for business or pleasure. The car was launched at the Scottish Motor Trade Association’s 1921 Scottish Motor Show held in Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall.

One hundred years later a faithful replica based on the original designs was created by The ‘Dalbeattie Mens Shed’ trustees and featured in Issue 4 of this magazine.