Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

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Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 167,677 pages of information and 247,074 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

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[[image:Im090430Ox-1913Commer.jpg|thumb| 1913. Reg No: BM 2856. Exhibit at the [[Oxford Bus Museum]]. ]]
[[Image:Im19090622Mo-Commercial1.jpg|thumb| June 1909. ]]
[[image:Im090430Ox-1913CommerChara.jpg|thumb| 1913. Reg No: BM 2856. Exhibit at the [[Oxford Bus Museum]]. ]]
[[Image:Im19090622Mo-Commercial2.jpg|thumb| June 1909. ]]
[[Image:Im19090622Mo-Commercial3.jpg|thumb| June 1909. ]]
 
[[Image:1918CommercialCarsLtd.jpg|thumb| 1918.]]
[[Image:1918CommercialCarsLtd.jpg|thumb| 1918.]]
[[Image:Im19200127Com-Commer.jpg|thumb| January 1920. ]]
[[Image:Im19200127Com-Commer.jpg|thumb| January 1920. ]]
[[Image:Im19210516MTR-Commerc.jpg|thumb| May 1921. ]]
[[Image:Im19220228CM-Commercial.jpg|thumb| February 1922. ]]
[[image:Im19250915CM-Commercial.jpg|thumb| September 1925.]]
[[image:Im19250915CM-Commer.jpg|thumb| September 1925.]]
[[Image:Im1933EnV156-p470b.jpg ‎|thumb|1933. The '''Pug''' Two Tonner.]]
[[Image:Im193702MC-Commer.jpg|thumb| February 1937.]]
[[Image:Im19380701CM-Commer6.jpg|thumb| July 1938.]]
[[Image:Im1939IAE-Commer.jpg|thumb| 1939. Pug. ]]
[[Image:Im1939IAE-Commer.jpg|thumb| 1939. Pug. ]]
[[Image:Im19370301MTra-Commer.jpg|thumb| March 1939. 8Cwt. ]]
[[Image:Im1946Vital-Commer15cwt.jpg|thumb| 1945. 15Cwt. ]]
[[Image:Im1954CMS-Commer.jpg|thumb| 1954. ]]
[[image:Im090523L-ComExpress-55.jpg|thumb| 1955. Commer Express Van. 1,100cc. Reg No: SPX 740. ]]
[[image:Im090604CCS-Com1.jpg|thumb| 1955. Commer Express Van. 1,100cc. Reg No: SPX 740. ]]
[[image:Im090523L-ComKarr-57.jpg|thumb| 1957. Commer Karrier. Reg No: 1314 F. ]]


[[Image:Im20100704Pad-Com032.jpg|thumb| 1961. Commer Cob. Reg No: 52 XVW. ]]
[[image:Im19470207CM-Commer Cars.jpg|thumb|February 1947.]]
 
[[image:Im19590429MT-Commer.jpg|thumb| April 1959.]]
[[Image:Im20100501BCC-Com-imp.jpg|thumb| Commer Imp van. Reg No: DOU 489. ]]
[[Image:Im20100501BCC-Hil-Imp4.jpg|thumb| 1967. Commer Imp van. Reg No: FTK 617E. ]]


[[Image:Im1961MotSC-Commer.jpg|thumb| October 1961. Commer Caravan. ]]
[[image:Im20110901DSF-lc296.jpg|thumb| 1971. Commer bluebird. Reg No: GLX 408J. ]]


'''Commercial Cars Ltd''' of Biscot Road, Luton, were a producer of commercial vehicles from 1907 to 1976. Until they became part of the [[Rootes Group]] in 1927 the company name was Commercial Cars Ltd and the trade name used was '''Commer'''
'''Commercial Cars Ltd''' of Biscot Road, Luton, were a producer of commercial vehicles from 1907 to 1976. Until they became part of the [[Rootes Group]] in 1927 the company name was Commercial Cars Ltd and the trade name used was '''Commer'''


== General ==
'''See also -
* 1905 Company founded as [[Commercial Cars| Commercial Cars Ltd]]. <ref>The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919</ref>
* [[Commer: Buses]]
 
* [[Commer: Fire Engines]]
* Factory opened in Luton, producing trucks.
* [[Commer: Lorries]]
 
* [[Commer: Vans]]
* 1907 Founded and the name abbreviated to '''Commer'''. Built with the [[Lindley]] epicyclic pre-selector gearbox.
 
* 1910 Showed three vehicles at the Manchester Commercial Motor Show. <ref>The Times, Wednesday, Feb 23, 1910</ref>
 
* 1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices of '''Petrol Motors''' see the [[1917 Motor, Marine and Aircraft Red Book: Petrol Motors| 1917 Red Book]]
 
* 1914 Manufacturers of petrol motor vehicles for goods and passengers. <ref>[[1914 Whitakers Red Book]]</ref>
 
* WW1 Produced some 3,000 model RC 4-ton models.
 
* 1919 A public company formed of the same name '''Commercial Cars Ltd''': Directors are [[W. C. W. Egerton]], [[Horace G. Hutchinson]] and [[H. C. B. Underdown]] (Chairman and MD). <ref>The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919</ref>
 
* Raised additional capital. <ref>The Times, Monday, Jul 26, 1920</ref>
 
* 1924 [[W. C. W. Egerton]] who became a director in 1906 is declared bankrupt. <ref>The Times, Thursday, Feb 07, 1924</ref>
 
* 1928 November. [[Hillman]], [[Humber]] and [[Commer]] combine. Head of new concern will be [[J. A. Cole| Lieut-Col. J. A. Cole]] (MD of Humber), [[Spencer Wilks| Captain S. Wilkes]] (Joint MD of Hillman) and [[John Black| Captain J. Black]] (Joint MD of Hillman). Also on board are [[S. Brotherhood]] and [[Henry McMahon| Sir Henry McMahon]]. [[Rootes Group| Rootes]] who had handled the export sales provide the cash and own 60% of the shares. <ref>The Times, Wednesday, Nov 21, 1928 </ref> <ref>The Times, Monday, Nov 21, 1949</ref>
 
* WW2 Produced some 20,000 vehicles. A move from Luton to nearby Dunstable was made.
 
* 1948 New range launched with 5ton and 7ton payloads.
 
* 1953 A two stroke diesel marketed with two horizontally opposed piston in each of the three cylinders.
 
* 1961 Introduced successful 1.5 / 5ton delivery van.
 
* 1966 Entered heavier market with a 16ton gvw chassis and cab.
 
* 1964 Chrysler bought in to [[Rootes Group]].


* 1973 Chrysler gain full control of the company.
[[Charles Montague Linley]], an engineer, had developed a novel gear box. Julian A. Halford saw the potential in the Linley box, and set up a small workshop in South London to build a prototype vehicle around the gearbox. This went on the road in 1903. After successful trials, a manufacturing company was formed in 1905 — Commercial Cars Ltd, with Halford as managing director.  


* 1976 The name was discontinued.
1905 Company founded as '''Commercial Cars'''. <ref>The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919</ref> Based at Lavender Hill, London


* 1979 The company was sold to the Peugeot-Citreon group.
1906 Factory opened at Biscot Road, Luton


==Cars==
1910 Showed three vehicles at the Manchester Commercial Motor Show. <ref>The Times, Wednesday, Feb 23, 1910</ref>
* The first chassis was developed around a gearbox called the [[Lindley]].


* In 1907 the company offered passenger carrying chassis.
By 1911 was producing trucks.


==Buses==
1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices of '''Petrol Motor Commercial Vehicles''' see the [[1913-1917 Motor, Marine and Aircraft Red Book: Petrol Motors| 1917 Red Book]]
* Commer were based in Luton and were part of the Rootes Group.


* The first double-decker arrived in 1909.
1914 Manufacturers of petrol motor vehicles for goods and passengers. <ref>[[1914 Whitakers Red Book]]</ref>


* New models were introduced in the 1920s so there wasn't demand for the [[Lindley gearbox]].  
1919 A public company formed of the same name '''Commercial Cars Ltd''': Directors are [[W. C. W. Egerton]], [[Horace G. Hutchinson]] and [[H. C. B. Underdown]] (Chairman and MD). <ref>The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919</ref>


*After 1926 the Lindley was no longer fitted.
Raised additional capital. <ref>The Times, Monday, Jul 26, 1920</ref>


* From 1922 the company hit a postwar slump and was run by a receiver and manager.
From 1922 the company hit a postwar slump and was run by a receiver and manager


* In 1926 the company was sold to [[Humber]] and later the name was changed to '''Commer Cars'''.
1923 The company was put into liquidation<ref>The Times Sep 25, 1923</ref>


* In 1930 [[Commer]] only offered 20 or 26-seat models with normal control.
1924 [[W. C. W. Egerton]], who had become a director in 1906, was declared bankrupt<ref>The Times, Thursday, Feb 07, 1924</ref>


* In 1939 the new ''Superpoise series'' was designed. It had a semi-forward control layout. Diesel and petrol engines were offered, and a choice of wheelbases from 20 to 32 seats.
1926 the company was sold to [[Humber]] and later the name was changed to '''Commer Cars'''.


* From 1946 to 1949 Commer's first postwar chassis was built called the '''Commando''' over 1,300 of these were made.
1928 November. Formation of the [[Humber]] '''Combine''' by merging '''Humber''' and '''Commer''' with [[Hillman]]. Head of new concern was [[J. A. Cole| Lieut-Col. J. A. Cole]] (MD of Humber), [[Spencer Wilks| Captain S. Wilkes]] (Joint MD of Hillman) and [[John Black| Captain J. Black]] (Joint MD of Hillman). Also on board were [[Stanley Brotherhood|S. Brotherhood]] and [[Henry McMahon| Sir Henry McMahon]]. [[Rootes Group| Rootes]] who had handled the export sales provide the cash and own 60% of the shares. <ref>The Times, Wednesday, Nov 21, 1928 </ref> <ref>The Times, Monday, Nov 21, 1949</ref>


* They were popular with the [[Royal Air Force]].
1934 [[Karrier Motors]] of Huddersfield was purchased by [[Rootes Group| Rootes Securities]] <ref>The Times, Friday, Aug 10, 1934</ref> who moved production to Luton, closing the Huddersfield operation.


* 1954 Commer were offering a new diesel engine, the '''TS3''' in the '''Avenger III'''.
WW2 Produced some 20,000 vehicles. A move from Luton to nearby Dunstable was made.  


* The ''TS3'' was a small 3.26 litre with three-cylinder two stroke with supercharging horizontal cylinders.  
1953 A two stroke diesel marketed with two horizontally opposed piston in each of the three cylinders.


* 1960s  The 1500-series van used as a minibus was launched.
1961 Listed as a subsidiary of [[Humber]]. <ref>[[1961 Guide to Key British Enterprises: Motor, Motor-Cycle and Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers]]</ref>


* 1961 Listed as a subsidiary of [[Humber]]. <ref>[[1961 Guide to Key British Enterprises: Motor, Motor-Cycle and Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers]]</ref>
1961 Manufacturers of commercial vehicles and motor coaches. <ref>[[1961 Dun and Bradstreet KBE]]</ref>


* 1961 Manufacturers of commercial vehicles and motor coaches. <ref>[[1961 Dun and Bradstreet KBE]]</ref>
1966 Entered heavier market with a 16ton gvw chassis and cab.


* 1964 [[Crossville]] purchased two vans.
1964 Chrysler bought in to [[Rootes Group]].


* 1976 The vans were re-badged as '''Dodge (qv)''' when Rootes Group were taken over by [[Chrysler]].
1973 Chrysler gain full control of the company.


== Fire Engines ==
1976 The name was discontinued.
* See [[Commer: Fire Engines]]


== Lorries ==
1979 The company was sold to the Peugeot-Citreon group.
* See [[Commer: Lorries]]


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 116: Line 87:
* Trademarked. A History of Well-Known Brands - from Aertex to Wright's Coal Tar by David Newton. Pub: Sutton Publishing 2008 ISBN 978-0-7509-4590-5
* Trademarked. A History of Well-Known Brands - from Aertex to Wright's Coal Tar by David Newton. Pub: Sutton Publishing 2008 ISBN 978-0-7509-4590-5


{{DEFAULTSORT: }}
[[Category: Town - Luton]]
[[Category:Commercial Vehicles]]
[[Category:Commercial Vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 18:39, 20 January 2024

June 1909.
June 1909.
June 1909.
1918.
January 1920.
May 1921.
February 1922.
September 1925.
September 1925.
1933. The Pug Two Tonner.
February 1937.
July 1938.
1939. Pug.
February 1947.
April 1959.
October 1961. Commer Caravan.
1971. Commer bluebird. Reg No: GLX 408J.

Commercial Cars Ltd of Biscot Road, Luton, were a producer of commercial vehicles from 1907 to 1976. Until they became part of the Rootes Group in 1927 the company name was Commercial Cars Ltd and the trade name used was Commer

See also -

Charles Montague Linley, an engineer, had developed a novel gear box. Julian A. Halford saw the potential in the Linley box, and set up a small workshop in South London to build a prototype vehicle around the gearbox. This went on the road in 1903. After successful trials, a manufacturing company was formed in 1905 — Commercial Cars Ltd, with Halford as managing director.

1905 Company founded as Commercial Cars. [1] Based at Lavender Hill, London

1906 Factory opened at Biscot Road, Luton

1910 Showed three vehicles at the Manchester Commercial Motor Show. [2]

By 1911 was producing trucks.

1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices of Petrol Motor Commercial Vehicles see the 1917 Red Book

1914 Manufacturers of petrol motor vehicles for goods and passengers. [3]

1919 A public company formed of the same name Commercial Cars Ltd: Directors are W. C. W. Egerton, Horace G. Hutchinson and H. C. B. Underdown (Chairman and MD). [4]

Raised additional capital. [5]

From 1922 the company hit a postwar slump and was run by a receiver and manager

1923 The company was put into liquidation[6]

1924 W. C. W. Egerton, who had become a director in 1906, was declared bankrupt[7]

1926 the company was sold to Humber and later the name was changed to Commer Cars.

1928 November. Formation of the Humber Combine by merging Humber and Commer with Hillman. Head of new concern was Lieut-Col. J. A. Cole (MD of Humber), Captain S. Wilkes (Joint MD of Hillman) and Captain J. Black (Joint MD of Hillman). Also on board were S. Brotherhood and Sir Henry McMahon. Rootes who had handled the export sales provide the cash and own 60% of the shares. [8] [9]

1934 Karrier Motors of Huddersfield was purchased by Rootes Securities [10] who moved production to Luton, closing the Huddersfield operation.

WW2 Produced some 20,000 vehicles. A move from Luton to nearby Dunstable was made.

1953 A two stroke diesel marketed with two horizontally opposed piston in each of the three cylinders.

1961 Listed as a subsidiary of Humber. [11]

1961 Manufacturers of commercial vehicles and motor coaches. [12]

1966 Entered heavier market with a 16ton gvw chassis and cab.

1964 Chrysler bought in to Rootes Group.

1973 Chrysler gain full control of the company.

1976 The name was discontinued.

1979 The company was sold to the Peugeot-Citreon group.

See Also

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Sources of Information

  1. ↑ The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919
  2. ↑ The Times, Wednesday, Feb 23, 1910
  3. ↑ 1914 Whitakers Red Book
  4. ↑ The Times, Friday, Dec 19, 1919
  5. ↑ The Times, Monday, Jul 26, 1920
  6. ↑ The Times Sep 25, 1923
  7. ↑ The Times, Thursday, Feb 07, 1924
  8. ↑ The Times, Wednesday, Nov 21, 1928
  9. ↑ The Times, Monday, Nov 21, 1949
  10. ↑ The Times, Friday, Aug 10, 1934
  11. ↑ 1961 Guide to Key British Enterprises: Motor, Motor-Cycle and Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers
  12. ↑ 1961 Dun and Bradstreet KBE
  • British Lorries 1900-1992 by S. W. Stevens-Stratten. Pub. Ian Allen Publishing
  • Ian Allan - British Buses Since 1900 - Aldridge and Morris
  • Trademarked. A History of Well-Known Brands - from Aertex to Wright's Coal Tar by David Newton. Pub: Sutton Publishing 2008 ISBN 978-0-7509-4590-5
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