The Enfield

Sir,

I was interested to read Mr. Karslake’s letter regarding the Enfield. My uncle had one of these cars, a 1914 model open tourer, dark green 5-seater, with dark green leather upholstery. The nickel-plated radiator had finned tubes to which the “Field Gun” motif was attached in the centre.

There was a round badge at the front of the header tank which I think read “Royal Enfield”. Large nickel-plated CAV headlamps were fitted with the battery in a wooden case on the running-board. “Artillery type” wheels were fitted but not as in Mr. Karslake’s photograph which shows American type “bolt-on” rims.

This car had centre lock splined wheels with a special key for release. I well remember the compression taps but these were only used in winter.

It was kept at the house in Ifield, near Crawley, Sussex and used to take my uncle to the station when the weather was unsuitable for the horse and trap. It was a beautifully made car but under-powered, about 14 h.p. RAC rating I think, and remember having to get out, together with my father and brother, and assist the driver by pushing up the steepest parts of Titsey Hill.

The car was in immaculate condition wnen sold in 1923, and subsequently found its way to a greengrocer who fitted a flat platform over the rear seats and used it as a delivery vehicle.

J.E. Ellis – Warrington.