1926-1979
1901-1914
1919-1966
1923-1934
Illustration by Robert Crumb
1926-1940
1912 - 1940
Notes on some of the lesser-known British marques
For a more complete listing visit the British Index.
Sabella
Manufactured by the Sabella Car Co., Albany Street, W.
A RUN ON THE LATEST SABELLA.
WE recently had a run on the latest type of 8 h.p. Sabella cyclecar (the Sabella Car Co., Albany Street, W.) This vehicle is driven by an 8 h.p. J. A. P. engine, as are so many of the light cyclecars now on the road. The engine has an additional external flywheel, and is cooled by a fan driven by round belt off the mainshaft.
The Motor Cycle, 1912.
Safari
Manufactured by Geier
"In the new Safari moped, introduced at the 1958 Earls Court Show, Stuart and Payne Ltd. appear to have a real winner, for this German machine - powered by the well-tried Sachs engine in either two- or three-speed forms - offers a superb performance, coupled with a simplicity of design which argues both durability and freedom from adjustments."
Scammell 1934-1968
Scootacar by Hunslet 1958-1964
Scotia Sidecars
scotiasidecars.com (Active 2025 but no contact details) UK Importer for Tripteq Sidecars, Parts & Accessories "The Heeler is Tripteq's first model. This sidecar is named after an Australian working dog usually referred to as the Blue Heeler - despite the fact most of them are red."
Sources: tripteq.com, scotiasidecars.com.
Scout Engines
Manufactured by United Motor Industries of 45, Great Marlborough St, London, W. in 1904.
Founded in 1899, the firm was the UK agent for Tony Huber cars. They had a branch in France at Rue Meyerbeer, Paris.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, et al.
Sgonina 1922-23
Sheffield Minor 1915
Siderider 1970s
Simply Sidecars
"Simply Sidecars is part of F2 Motorcycle Ltd, and owned by David and Lizi Angel.
We are the sole UK agent for Velorex Sidecars."
F2 Motorcycles Ltd
290 Leverington Common PE13 5JG
simplysidecars.co.uk
UK importer of Velorex sidecars with a number of models on offer. Their website has well-written pages on choosing a sidecar mount and fitting guides.
Stainless
A Stainless flat-twin engine is fitted to a 1911 Zenith in the Thomson Museum in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Embossed on the crankcase is "Stainless Motor Co Ltd / Stainless England"
Source: oldbikemag.com.au
Stanley Motorcycles
Produced in 1902 by the Stanley Cycle Works at Days Lane, Coventry, a bicycle firm founded in 1898. Its founder is thought to be a Mr William Stanley, a 36 year old Coventry man who had drawn years of experience in engineering from working in the cycle trade.
It is believed they added an 2½ hp engine to one of their bicycle models and used friction drive to the rear wheel, rather than the normal belt. Production was reputedly taken over by Singer.
Source: Damien Kimberley, Coventry's Motorcycle Heritage p.107, via Graham Clayton.
N.B. Unrelated to William Ford Robinson Stanley, inventor of the wire bicycle spoke and much, much more.
Stella of Ipswich 1960-1963
Stimson 1976-1980
Surrey Sidecars
Manufactured by Surrey Sidecars Ltd, Station Works, Coulsdon, Surrey, 1955-1961
Edward Ford built a variety of sidecars including the Sylvan "caravan", the Rambler De Luxe and the Coulsdon.
Sources: reddevilmotors.blogspot.com, contemporary advertising, et al
Streamline Sidecars
Manufactured at Tubela Works, Fowler Road Hainault, Ilford, Essex - 1950s-1960s
Models for 1960: Regal, Royal, Regent, Roebuck, Renown.
Source: reddevilmotors.blogspot.com
Sutherland
Built by Mr E Sutherland, this unique machine was powered by the 500cc Excelsior Talisman triple which usually powered the Berkeley.
Sources: Brian Avery, et al.
Swan Sidecars
Manufactured 1912 to 1923 by Sidecars (Oxford), Ltd., Oxford.
An illustrated catalogue was offered for 1923 featuring the Sporting Model, the Standard Touring Model, and the De Luxe Touring Model.
Swan by Sidecars (Oxford) Ltd. 1920
Syko 1991 -2025
Rarer British Marques
