Beardmore Motors Archive

Correspondence and newspaper cuttings relating to Beardmore Motors

<p>Newsletters and brochures are held in the Reference Library.</p>

Open to bone fide researchers. By appointment only.

Received in 1970 from the company, after the ending of production in 1967.

Beardmore taxis were first produced by the original Scottish engineering concern, William Beardmore & Co, in 1919. This was the first new post-war taxi and fitted with Beardmore's own 15.6hp engine. Due to its comfort and sturdiness, it became known as the 'Rolls Royce of cabs'. Production by the independent concern of the same name began at Grove Park, Hendon, in 1932, continuing until 1940 when the site at Hendon was converted to war production. Manufacture of Beardmore taxis (no longer at Hendon) was resumed in 1954. The firm's offices and showrooms in Great Portland Street were severely damaged by enemy action in September 1940 and most of their records destroyed. Beardmore produced a new cab in 1954 but could not compete with the power of Austin who were also making taxis at this time. This latest MkVII version did not sell well and the firm ended production in 1967.