Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to the Peerless Car Company

The name “Peerless” has been associated with two different but noteworthy car manufacturers — one American and one British. The original Peerless Motor Company was a luxury car manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio, operating from the early 1900s to the Great Depression. In contrast, the British Peerless Cars Ltd. produced innovative sports cars in the late 1950s. Despite their differing eras and missions, both brands embodied technical ambition and a commitment to quality.

Part 1: Peerless Motor Company (USA, 1900–1931)

Founding and Early History

The Peerless Motor Company was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1900. Originally a bicycle manufacturer, Peerless quickly pivoted to automobiles as the industry boomed. Their first car was produced in 1902, and by the mid-1900s, Peerless had become one of the “Three Ps” of American luxury cars, alongside Packard and Pierce-Arrow.

Luxury and Innovation

Peerless gained a reputation for building high-quality, reliable, and luxurious vehicles. Innovations included:

• One of the first companies to adopt shaft-driven rear axles
• Early use of electric lighting and starters
• High-performance engines with aluminum pistons and overhead valves

Peerless vehicles were favored by the wealthy and often used by heads of state, business leaders, and celebrities.

Peerless Six and V8 Models

Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Peerless introduced a variety of 6- and 8-cylinder models that combined refined styling with advanced mechanicals. The company emphasized silent running, ride quality, and power, positioning itself above mainstream automakers.

Racing Heritage

Peerless entered the 1908 New York to Paris Race, a grueling intercontinental competition. Their entry finished in second place, cementing the brand’s image of endurance and engineering prowess.

Decline and Closure

The Great Depression struck luxury automakers hard. Despite efforts to streamline and modernize its lineup, Peerless was unable to maintain production amid economic collapse. The company ceased auto manufacturing in 1931.

The Peerless Beer Connection

Interestingly, Peerless converted its Cleveland plant into a brewery in the early 1930s and began producing Carling Black Label beer under license, marking a unique transition from luxury cars to alcohol production.

Part 2: Peerless Cars Ltd. (UK, 1957–1960)

Origins of the British Peerless

A completely separate entity from the American brand, Peerless Cars Ltd. was founded in the UK by John Gordon and James Byrnes in 1957. The goal was to build a stylish, performance-oriented GT car that could compete with brands like Aston Martin but at a more affordable price.

The Peerless GT

The company’s only production model was the Peerless GT, a four-seat sports car based on Triumph TR3 mechanicals. Notable features included:

• A lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis
• All-independent suspension
• A fiberglass body
• Triumph’s 2.0L four-cylinder engine

The GT offered excellent handling, comfort, and practicality. With a top speed near 110 mph, it was quick for its class and even competed at Le Mans in 1958.

Racing and Recognition

The Peerless GT made an impression at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 16th overall — a strong result for a small independent company. The car was praised for its road manners and lightweight construction.

Challenges and Demise

Despite positive reviews, the company struggled with limited production capacity, financial instability, and a highly competitive market. Fewer than 325 cars were built before the company folded in 1960.

The Gordon GT and Continuation

After Peerless collapsed, co-founder John Gordon redesigned the car into the Gordon GT, which later evolved into the Gordon-Keeble — another cult British sports car featuring a Chevrolet V8 engine and Italian bodywork.

Legacy of Peerless

American Peerless

The American Peerless brand is remembered as a symbol of pre-war luxury and innovation. Though it did not survive the Depression, it left behind beautifully crafted vehicles that are now prized in concours events and classic car auctions.

British Peerless

The British Peerless GT remains a rare and collectible car with a cult following. It represents a brief but bold chapter in post-war British sports car history, where ingenuity and ambition often outpaced business realities.

Conclusion

Whether in pre-war America or post-war Britain, the name “Peerless” stood for technical innovation and quality engineering. Though neither company lasted long in automotive terms, both left an outsized legacy. Their cars — luxurious, sporty, and daring — are reminders of eras when visionaries could shape automotive dreams with precision and purpose.