Albany (automobile)

The Albany was an English automobile, manufactured by the Albany Motor Carriage Company in Christchurch, Dorset from 1971 - 1997.[1]

For the British veteran automobile, see Albany (1903 automobile). For the American brass-era automobile, see Albany (1907 automobile).

History

The company was run by two brothers, Bryan and David Shepherd.

The car was designed as a veteran car, in the Edwardian style, but is not a replica of any particular marque although it bears some resemblance to a 1908 Buick. Early models used the BMC A-series engine and suspension from the Morris Minor in a specially built tubular steel chassis. The engine was governed to allow a maximum speed of 40 mph (64.4 km/h).[1] The car was hand built and quite expensive at £1987 before a long list of extras was added.[2] Purchasers requiring a hood or a screen found themselves invited to pay an extra £70 or £50 for these luxuries.[3]

From 1974 a 1300 cc Standard SC engine from the Triumph Spitfire was used and a longer wheelbase five-seat option came in 1976.

Albany also made a replica 1910 AEC open air bus, based on a Ford D Series lorry chassis, that now provides very brief quasi-vintage bus rides at the Beaulieu motor museum in Hampshire. It appeared in the 1970s remake of the film 'The 39 Steps' starring Robert Powell.

In 1973 about a car every two weeks was being produced [2] and exports to the United States started. However, after about 12 cars were shipped the importing company failed. The price in 1974, now with a 1500cc Triumph engine had risen to £2487. By 1977 110 cars had been built.[2]

As of 1992, the open-top Albany featuring a 1500 cc SC engine was being built for export only.

The company closed in 1997.

See also

References
  1. Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.
  2. Filby, Peter (1977). British Specialist cars vol 2. Cobham, Surrey: Bookstop. ISBN 0-906189-00-4.
  3. "The Albany: A vintage car that isn't". Motor: 32–33. 12 February 1972.
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