Both Enfield and Alldays light cars were produced prior to the 1914-18 war, but after the armistice the concerns joined forces to market the Enfield-Allday. The new combine made a
sensational entry by constructing a five-cylinder radial-engined machine, bristling with novel features. Despite the interest it created, the design was rather too unorthodox for the motorist of the 1919-20 era, and it never went into production. The Enfield- Allday that reached the public in 1920 was a conventional four- cylinder car with a side-valve engine of 1488-c.c. (63.5 x 117.5-mm.), with cone clutch, front suspension by semi-elliptic, and rear springing by cantilevers.
The long-stroke engine had great possibilities, and when A. C. Bertelli joined the concern an o.h.v. engine was produced. A car was entered for the 1922 T.T. " 1500-c.c" race, and distinguished itself by being the first British vehicle to finish. This success caused a sports car to be marketed, and this was a very fast car indeed, noted for its exceptional road-holding, good brakes and first-rate steering. In fact, the early sports Enfield- Alldays had many of the characteristics of the later Aston Martin.
The firm was very keen to achieve racing successes, and many experimental cars were built. Various types of power units were tried, including a twin-camshaft 16-valve engine, which gave the Enfield-Allday a reasonable chance of pulling off a 200 Miles Race. However, it was not to be, although the marque made a fine name for itself at Brooklands. It was a most enthusiastic firm, and the machines were very well made indeed. It was a great pity that more racing successes did not come their way. |
