1910 Gladiator 12/14hp Type P Series 51 Tourer

1910 Gladiator 12/14hp Type P Series 51 Tourer

Societe Gladiator, cycle manufacturers at Pre-St. Gervais, were cycle makers whose business was acquired in 1896 by motoring pioneer Harvey Du Cros. Under Du Cros's leadership they built their first car, a single-cylinder, 4hp voiturette in 1896. Later light cars were Aster-powered and S.F. Edge's Motor Power Co. in London was appointed a Gladiator agent. Gladiator cars were to participate in some of the great motor racing events in the first decade of the 20th Century, including the Paris-Berlin Race and early Tourist Trophy races on the Isle of Man. Gladiator introduced a 12/14hp, four-cylinder model in 1906, conventional in all respects and with a four-speed gearbox, however by 1909 the more sporting motorist could buy a mighty 60hp six-cylinder model at the top end of a varied range. In 1910 the company moved to Puteaux, following acquisition by Vinot et Deguingand and essentially the new Gladiator was a badge-engineered Vinot. The 12/14hp model, with its L-head configuration, was a highly successful car, well engineered and reliable.

This 12/14hp Type P carries plates indicating supply by The Connaught Motor & Carriage Co. Ltd., of Davies Street, Berkeley Square, W1, and the elegant four/five seater coachwork is by respected provincial coachbuilder, Fred W Baker Ltd., of Stourbridge. The four-cylinder engine is cast in pairs, enjoys the benefit of a water pump and is fuelled by a Claudel Hobson carburettor and spark is provided by a Bosch magneto.

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