Publications
Dolphin Motors of Shoreham, by Michael Worthington-William, published June 1971 in Sussex Industrial History (No. 2, article, pp.2-22) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 16389/2] & The Keep [LIB/506524] Download PDF
Abstract:"In accordance with your instructions I yesterday visited your Works at The Old Shipyard, Shoreham, in order to examine your manufacture and methods of production.
The engine you are producing, so far as I was able to judge, is decidedly efficient, and without doubt a very cheap article to produce.
The other branches of your business are all running on satisfactory lines, and I have no doubt will pay very well in the future, when a sufficient market is obtained for their products.
Your methods of workshop management are exceedingly good and there is nothing to criticise in the class of material you are using.
Taking the whole circumstances into consideration, I am of the opinion that, given sufficient capital to get your products on the market, there is no reason why your business should not be a decided commercial success."
Thus ran the optimistic report dated 5 October 1909 from H.W. Bamber, M.I.M.E, consulting engineer, and commissioned by Michael Sassoon of the Two Stroke Engine Co. Ltd. Within a few weeks the company was moribund. To understand this apparently paradoxical state of affairs, it is necessary to examine both the history of the firm and those concerned with it, and the general atmosphere of motor manufacturing into which it was precipitated, perhaps prematurely, by its enthusiastic young sponsors.
The engine you are producing, so far as I was able to judge, is decidedly efficient, and without doubt a very cheap article to produce.
The other branches of your business are all running on satisfactory lines, and I have no doubt will pay very well in the future, when a sufficient market is obtained for their products.
Your methods of workshop management are exceedingly good and there is nothing to criticise in the class of material you are using.
Taking the whole circumstances into consideration, I am of the opinion that, given sufficient capital to get your products on the market, there is no reason why your business should not be a decided commercial success."
Thus ran the optimistic report dated 5 October 1909 from H.W. Bamber, M.I.M.E, consulting engineer, and commissioned by Michael Sassoon of the Two Stroke Engine Co. Ltd. Within a few weeks the company was moribund. To understand this apparently paradoxical state of affairs, it is necessary to examine both the history of the firm and those concerned with it, and the general atmosphere of motor manufacturing into which it was precipitated, perhaps prematurely, by its enthusiastic young sponsors.
The B.M.R. Gearless Car, by Michael Worthington-William, published 1989 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 19, article, pp.33-36, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506526] Download PDF
Abstract:Brighton, along with other seaside towns like Bournemouth and Eastbourne, had more than its fair share of motor manufacturers and home-grown makes over the years.
Just recently David Hurley, showed me some fascinating photos of the Gearless car built by B.M.R. Ltd, (Brighton Motor Repair) at Portslade in 1919. They were provided by Mr F.G. Watts of Sutton, who was employed as a boy by B.M.R. and whose father (previously with coachbuilders Thomas Harrington of Hove) was their coachsmith. Mr Watts' employment as a fitter and turner lasted only from June 1919 until January 1920, and during that period at least twelve Gearless cars were laid down.
Just recently David Hurley, showed me some fascinating photos of the Gearless car built by B.M.R. Ltd, (Brighton Motor Repair) at Portslade in 1919. They were provided by Mr F.G. Watts of Sutton, who was employed as a boy by B.M.R. and whose father (previously with coachbuilders Thomas Harrington of Hove) was their coachsmith. Mr Watts' employment as a fitter and turner lasted only from June 1919 until January 1920, and during that period at least twelve Gearless cars were laid down.