Description
Quadrant 1904 6 HP “Carette” twin engined (2 x 369cc) tricar frame # 68821 engine # 2064 + 2065
Quadrant was among the first British bicycle manufacturers to venture into motorcycle and tricycle production: their first model, equipped with the then very popular Minerva clip-on engine, appeared in 1901.
A few years later a famous long-distance rider by the name of Tom Silver was contracted by the company.
He attracted a lot of publicity in the years to come by getting excellent results in long distance events and in 1907 he became managing director of the firm.
Although several types of engines were experimented with, Quadrants were best known for their big singles; in the early twenties even a 780 cc single with unit-construction gearbox was marketed.
The company ceased production in 1928.
In the early years of the 20th century the tricar held a special position in the market: in comfort, ease of control and economy it stood between a car and a motorcycle.
In 1904 Quadrant brings out the 6 HP “ Carette” which gets a very favourable reception with the public.
A very notable feature of this unique vehicle is that is has two separate mirrored engines.
The driver is positioned in a comfortable “Brooks” bucket seat and controls the machine with a steering wheel instead of handlebars.
“Bicycling News” of February 15, 1905 commented: “ …It is a very smart looking as well as comfortable and practical design, giving most of the facilities and comforts of a small car with less initial and running costs.
The open-backed frame and sprung bucket seat will be appreciated by tricyclists, while the well-known spiral suspension-spring insulation of the Quadrant Tricycle has been retained for the fore-carriage.
The platform upon which the driver’s feet rest is spring-insulated, and powerful pedal-applied brakes act on the steering wheel hubs and the engine countershaft.
Twin engines of 3 HP, air-cooled, supply sufficient power to attain a very respectable speed on the level, and as a two-speed gear and free engine are provided we seem to have got far towards the line which divides the motor cycle from the motor car”.
This very rare Quadrant trike is an older restoration and has been issued with Pioneer Certificate # 904.
To see and hear it run, link to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyJm_AaKC1Y
where one of our senior staff members gives the Quadrant a little outing.