Trying to identify this vehicle

[Roy S]

Hi Everyone

I am trying to identify this vehicle in connection with some historical research I am undertaking.

It was almost certainly built in the UK and the image dates from around 1900-1910.

Any suggestions or information appreciated.

Thanks

Roy

[1937hd45]

Google Forecar and some things will pop up, there were a lot of different manufacturers that produced them, and they all look somewhat alike. Bob 

[Roy S]

Thanks very much Bob, that is a really helpful start point. Best wishes. Roy

[1937hd45]

Orient built one in the USA. De Deion Bouton in France built most of them.  

Edited May 15, 2020 by 1937hd45 (see edit history)

[Roy S]

Thanks anonymous 1937hd45!

Guildford seems a much more likely source for the one in my image as it was photographed in Berkshire, UK.

Best wishes

Roy

[Terry Bond]

The Dennis built in Guildford does seem like a possible match at first glance, but the front fork arrangement doesn't quite match.  As Bob mentioned, De Dion Bouton built many, and supplied engines to the majority of others.   There are a lot of other possibilities, but one that strikes me as being close is the British built Ariel Quadricycle.   There are others too - Progress was another British made quadricycle.  Imported vehicles were not rare at that time and many French made automobiles found their way to the UK in those days.  Peugeot was one that was well known.  Their quadricycle was short-lived but quite popular.   The British made Humber is also another possibility but I've not been able to find a suitable image.  Attached is also a great photo form Prewarcar showing a couple of De Dion Bouton quadricycles so you can compare some features.  It's unfortunate that in the original photo the ladies skirt hides much critical detail.  We may never get any closer than "it might be..."  but we'll have fun trying.

Terry

Edited May 15, 2020 by Terry Bond (see edit history)

[dictator27]

British auto journalists of the day said the seating arrangement put the passenger between the driver and the accident.  The French were a little more direct.  They called it the mother-in-law killer.

[1937hd45]

Nice photo Terry, that may be the first spare tyre on the one out front. Bob 

[padgett]

Wonder if Ariel ever made a Quadricyle with the square four ?

[Terry Bond]

53 minutes ago, padgett said:

Wonder if Ariel ever made a Quadricyle with the square four ?

The age of the quadricycle as depicted ended long before the Square Four was introduced in 1931.  It would have been almost a mini-car with that much power though.

Terry

[pont35cpe]

19 hours ago, dictator27 said:

British auto journalists of the day said the seating arrangement put the passenger between the driver and the accident.  The French were a little more direct.  They called it the mother-in-law killer.

That was my first thought. Put the ol girl up front..

[8E45E]

On ‎5‎/‎16‎/‎2020 at 8:21 AM, Terry Bond said:

The age of the quadricycle as depicted ended long before the Square Four was introduced in 1931.  It would have been almost a mini-car with that much power though.

Terry

Now that would have been interesting if Ariel did make a competitor for the BSA Scout.

 

Craig

[1937hd45]

Women and children first...…………..

[Roy S]

Thanks very much everyone - that is all excellent and very interesting to a complete novice in this subject.

Best wishes

Roy