1914 Calcott 10.5hp Two-seater

Originally founded in 1886 as Calcott Bros & West, Calcott started out making bicycles and related components in the city of Coventry. When partner Enoch West left in 1891, the firm was reconstituted as Calcott Bros Ltd, and by 1905 had begun experimenting with motorcycles. Around 1910 Calcott introduced its first production motorcycle, which was powered by an engine supplied by another Coventry firm, White & Poppe. In 1912 a four-stroke lightweight powered by an engine of Calcott's own manufacture was introduced and this was joined by a slightly larger version the following year. By this time Calcott had begun making motor cars and within two years motorcycle production had ceased. Although initially successful in its new venture, Calcott was in severe financial difficulties by the mid-1920s and in 1926 was taken over by Singer. Although the company existed only briefly and is long gone, Calcott's imposing works still stands in Coventry and is now a listed building. It is believed that only three or four Calcott motorcycles still exist together with around 20 cars.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams