Although the Calthorpe gained most of its fame as a reliable touring car, quite a number of really first-rate sports cars were turned out at intervals by the concern. Calthorpes were also raced at Brooklands with great success, and had an imposing list of awards in all manner of competition. Even as far back as 1913 the little Calthorpe Minor in sporting form was a match for cars of twice its size. The good-looking "Sporting Four" appeared in 1919, and was powered by the well-known 10-h.p. power unit with side valves and "L" head. Capacity was 1261-c.c. (65 x 95-mm.), and it was a tuned version of the standard Calthorpe engine. The drive was taken through a Hele-Shaw multi-plate clutch to a conventional three-speed gearbox and bevel-driven rear axle. A dry-plate clutch was adopted for the following year.
A super-sports edition was marketed for 1922, and the engines were carefully tuned, drilled con. rods, Ricardo aluminium pistons, and a special high-lift camshaft being fitted. However, the makers never seriously entered the sports-car market, being content to supply only a few cars to order. These sports Calthorpes were extremely well built, and handled really well, and were noted for their longevity. Many were still running after World War 2, albeit with some modifications made to bring them up to spec, such as the adoption of modern electric lighting, the addition of a starter motor, and the fitting of a new front axle and front-wheel brakes.
These cars were easily capable of over 60 m.p.h., and were capable of cruising all day at 50 m.p.h., with a petrol consumption of 35 m.p.g. Another contributory fact to the fine reputation of these Calthorpes was the bodywork, which was beautifully executed in polished aluminium. The fact that the concern took over the old-established firm of Mulliners, Ltd., notable builders of exclusive coachwork, may have had quite a lot to do with it.
Also see: Lost Marques - Calthorpe
