The early days of AC Cars
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AC Cars is Britain’s oldest car manufacturer and has the unique distinction of having been in continuous operation since 1901. The AC name carries much prestige, international recognition and ranks alongside other classic marques revered by enthusiasts the world over.
- 1901 John Weller, an engineer backed by John Portwine, a wealthy tradesman, set up a small engineering workshop in South London to build motor cars.
- 1903 A two-cylinder 10 hp model and a four-cylinder 20 hp model were displayed at the British Motor Show. Autocar June 6th reported, “We foresee a brilliant future for the Weller car and its talented designer”.
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- 1904 The firm, then known as Autocar & Accessories Limited, produced a commercial vehicle known as the Autocarrier. This was a 5.6 hp air cooled single cylinder tricycle built as a delivery vehicle – which proved successful.
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- 1905 The Autocarrier found an immediate market and became a familiar sight. It was fashionable for firms such as Maple & Co, Dickens & Jones and Goodyear Tyre Co to have at least one as a delivery van. One company ran a fleet of over 70.
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- 1907 A passenger-carrying version of the Autocarrier was made, known as the Sociable. Its simple and practical design ensured its production until 1915. The abbreviation AC was used for the first time and in November a new company was formed, Autocarriers Limited, taking over Autocar & Accessories but with Weller and Portwine still as Directors.
- 1910 ‘Motor Cycling’ August shows the Autocarrier adapted for military needs. The 25th London Cyclist Regiment was equipped with these vehicles. Maxim guns were mounted on special bodywork and other Autocarriers were adapted as ammunition transporters. The Autocarrier was chosen by the military authorities because of its reliability, lusty performance and special manœuvrability.
- 1911 Autocarriers Limited moved to larger premises at Thames Ditton in Surrey, at which time Weller designed AC’s first production four-wheel car.
- 1914 During the First World War, AC’s efforts were concerned with the manufacture of shells and fuses.
- 1918 Full production commenced with the two-seater, four-cylinder car which sold at £255. The cars were immediately successful in competition, particularly in hillclimbs and early trials such as the Land’s End.
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