Built in Coventry, Warwickshire by Crouch Cars Ltd from 1912 to 1928.
Introduced as a three-wheeler powered by a 740cc, water-cooled Coventry-Simplex V-twin engine, it was named the Crouch Carette. A fourth wheel was added in 1913 and retained on all subsequent models, with engine size increased to 906cc, 994cc and then 1018cc. After WWI larger V-twin engines were fitted.
The Crouch V-twin was fitted to the C.M.C. Carrette by Swift.
Crouch Sociables.
The Crouch three-wheeled sociable has been redesigned for 1912. The power is supplied by a 7 h.p. water-cooled V twin, and is transmitted through a single chain to the rear wheel, after passing through a three-speed gear box, and a leather cone clutch. The engine clutch and gear box, together with a platform carrying the magneto and water pump form a unit which is placed transversely across the frame, close behind the seat. Each part of this unit is bolted rigidly to the next, and the whole forms a neat workmanlike looking job. The gear box has stationary shafts, on which run hardened steel sleeves carrying the gears, which provide three speeds forward with direct drive on top and a reverse.
Pivoted to the main shaft is a tubular frame, which is rigidly connected to the rear wheel so that the wheel can only move vertically on its springs.
The frame is of armoured ash, and carries the front axle on full elliptical springs, while the rear springs are of the grasshopper type. A stand is fitted to the rear of the frame, and by simply removing the driving chains and undoing two tie rod nuts the rear wheel can be removed for the purpose of repairing punctures, etc. Two large internal expanding brakes are fitted to the rear wheel.
Steering is effected through a 14in. wheel and a simple set of levers. Fixed Eisemann high-tension magneto and Amac carburetter are employed.
The machine, which was illustrated in these columns when it made its first appearance, and was originally known as the Titan Carette (see page 700, July 6th, 1911), has a very pleasing appearance, and we are looking forward to a run which has been promised us at an early date.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle October 26th, 1911. Page 1128
Sources: 3-wheelers.com; Autopasion18.com
N.B. There was also a Crouch Motor Company, Stoneham Mass., which built motorcycles in 1909.
