10hp Eric Campbells.
The first two Eric Campbell motor-car photographs previously appeared in the Mystery Cars section of the site, and were soon identified as showing an example of the 10hp Eric Campbell, circa 1919 - 1921. Identifying features include the style of radiator, and the enormous steering wheel seen fitted to both cars on this page.
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The first two photographs both feature a Manchester-registered car, registration NC-4?46. A serious-looking chap is seen sat in the car in both pictures, and is joined in one shot by a young lady wearing typical 20's headgear. The car dates to 1920 or thereabouts.
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Another example of the Eric Campbell.
Photograph no.3 features a very similar car, and was identified by fellow VSCC members as another example of the Eric Campbell, its registration - XB 6487 - dating to mid-1920. In fact the XB (London) series only ran from April to June of that year. The car looks very dirty - had they been trialling or simply belting down a muddy country lane?
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These cars were produced from 1919 to 1924 only, by a firm formed by H Eric Orr-Ewing and Noel Campbell Macklin. Early cars were simply known as the 10, whereas late examples from 1924 were referred to as the 10/22. Power came courtesy of a Coventry-Simplex four cylinder sidevalve engine of 1498cc, driving through a four-speed gearbox. Top speed was in the region of 55 - 60mph, the engine benefiting from a number of tuning tweaks in this installation. Despite the company only being in existence for a relatively brief period of time, some 500 or so examples are believed to have been built.
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Contemporary Advertisement.
This full page advertisement celebrates their car being the first to climb Mutton Hill - ".. which is over a mile long and with an average gradient of 1 in 4, with an exceptionally bad surface and hair-pin bend on gradient of 1 in 3". Mr C.A. Peto had been similarly successful in negotiating the Nailsworth Ladder.
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Return to Page 12 in the classic & vintage car photo gallery.
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