Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Clyno

The Clyno Engineering Company was a British manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles during the early 20th century. Founded in the Edwardian era, Clyno rose rapidly to become one of the largest British car makers by the mid-1920s, trailing only Austin and Morris in domestic car sales. Yet despite this success, Clyno vanished from the automotive landscape before the end of the decade. Their story is one of rapid innovation, fierce market competition, and ultimately, the unforgiving economics of mass production.

The Origins of Clyno

Founding the Company

Clyno was founded in 1909 by Frank and Ailwyn Smith in Wolverhampton, England. The company name was derived from their patented “clinch and lock” (Clyno) system used for bicycle chains. Initially, Clyno produced motorcycle parts and then entire motorcycles, rapidly gaining a reputation for strong engineering and reliability.

Motorcycle Success

By 1910, Clyno was producing complete motorcycles using Precision engines, and soon entered competitions and endurance events to prove their durability. Success in reliability trials helped build the brand’s credibility, and Clyno became a major force in British motorcycle manufacturing. During World War I, Clyno produced motorcycles for the British Army, including the well-regarded 744cc sidecar combination used in dispatch roles.

Clyno Moves Into Automobiles

Transition to Car Manufacturing

After the war, with the motorcycle market becoming increasingly competitive and less profitable, Clyno shifted its attention toward car production. By 1922, the company had moved into a new factory in Bushbury and launched its first car — the Clyno 10.8 hp.

The car was a modest, two-seater light vehicle that was affordable, reliable, and easy to maintain. It set the tone for what would become Clyno’s defining strategy: providing strong value and robust construction at lower prices than competitors.

The Peak of Clyno

Rapid Expansion in the 1920s

The company’s philosophy of “value for money” resonated with a growing middle class in post-war Britain. In 1924, Clyno introduced the 13.9 hp tourer, a popular family car with four seats and a reputation for dependability. The combination of low cost and solid performance led to booming sales.

Clyno partnered with the Rootes Group for distribution, giving it a powerful sales network. By 1926, Clyno had become the third-largest car manufacturer in Britain, producing over 15,000 cars a year — behind only Austin and Morris.

Notable Models

• Clyno 10.8 hp (1922): The company’s first car, a basic and affordable two-seater light car, using a 1368cc Coventry Climax engine.
• Clyno 13.9 hp (1924): A four-seater tourer that became a best-seller and cemented Clyno’s position in the market.
• Clyno Nine (1927): An ambitious and well-appointed small car designed to compete with the Austin Seven. It featured better trim and space but at a similarly low price.
• Clyno Royal (1926): A larger and more luxurious six-cylinder model meant to compete with premium saloons.

Public Perception and Quality

Clyno cars were viewed as strong, workmanlike vehicles that offered excellent value for money. They were especially popular among small business owners, taxi services, and the middle class. The firm also entered competitions and reliability trials, using these events as marketing tools to highlight the durability of their cars.

The Beginning of the End

Overreaching and Competition

The very strategy that had driven Clyno’s growth — undercutting rivals on price — eventually led to its downfall. In order to offer competitive pricing, the company slashed profit margins to dangerously low levels. At the same time, larger competitors like Morris and Austin began to exploit economies of scale to improve their own pricing, making it harder for Clyno to compete.

Additionally, Clyno struggled to invest in new technology and modern production methods. Its factories were falling behind in efficiency compared to its competitors. Design stagnation also meant that their cars were becoming outdated by the late 1920s.

The Failure of the Clyno Nine

In 1927, Clyno launched the Clyno Nine to compete directly with the wildly successful Austin Seven. While the Clyno Nine was more spacious and comfortable, it failed to match the Seven in terms of cost-efficiency, performance, and marketing.

Rather than boosting sales, the model became a financial burden. Clyno had banked on high sales volume to compensate for thin margins, but the car failed to sell in sufficient numbers. Losses mounted, and the company’s cash reserves dwindled.

Collapse and Closure

Receivership and Final Days

By 1928, Clyno was in severe financial distress. The company entered receivership in 1929, and efforts to save it — including a proposed merger with Hillman — failed. In a final attempt to survive, the company introduced a revised Nine with a Hillman engine, but it was too little, too late.

In 1929, Clyno officially ceased production. The factories closed, assets were sold off, and the name faded from public view. It was a dramatic fall for a company that had, just a few years earlier, been one of Britain’s automotive giants.

Legacy of Clyno

Surviving Cars and Collectors

Despite its short lifespan as a car manufacturer, Clyno left behind a respectable number of surviving vehicles. A handful of well-preserved examples exist in museums or private collections, with clubs and enthusiasts working to restore and maintain these rare cars.

Surviving Clyno models are especially valued for their historical importance as early mass-produced British cars. They are often seen at vintage car rallies and are cherished for their connection to a pivotal era in automotive history.

Historical Importance

Clyno’s story is emblematic of the volatile British car industry in the interwar period. Their rise demonstrated the potential of offering affordable, reliable cars to a growing market. Their fall illustrated the dangers of overexpansion and underinvestment in innovation.

While Morris and Austin survived to become household names, Clyno stands as a cautionary tale of how even rapid success can be undermined by changing market conditions and operational missteps.

Conclusion

The Clyno Engineering Company left a mark on British automotive history far larger than its lifespan would suggest. From its motorcycle roots to its brief dominance as one of Britain’s leading car manufacturers, Clyno embodied the entrepreneurial spirit and ambition of its time.

Today, the name Clyno may be unfamiliar to most, but its legacy endures in the rare surviving vehicles, the dedication of collectors, and its important role in shaping the early British motor industry. As a forgotten giant of the 1920s, Clyno’s history is a poignant chapter in the story of British motoring.