Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Rochdale

The Rochdale car company was a British specialist car manufacturer known for producing lightweight, fiberglass-bodied sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s. Though relatively small in scale, Rochdale became one of the pioneers of the kit car and fiberglass body movement in post-war Britain. Based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, the company’s models appealed to enthusiasts looking for performance and affordability.

Founding and Early Years (1948–1953)

Rochdale Motor Panels was founded in 1948 by Frank Butterworth and Harry Smith. Initially, the company focused on general panel beating and bodywork repairs. However, the post-war boom in motorsports and home-built vehicles inspired them to enter the burgeoning kit car market.

Fiberglass Innovation

Rochdale was among the first British manufacturers to experiment with fiberglass for car body construction. This lightweight and rust-proof material allowed for inexpensive production and easy customization by enthusiasts.

First Models: GT and Mk IV (1954–1958)

The company gained attention with its first models, which were available as bodies or kits that could be fitted to existing chassis, often from Austin or Ford.

Rochdale GT

Introduced in 1954, the Rochdale GT was a two-door coupe designed to fit Ford Popular or Ford 8 chassis. Its curvaceous body and aerodynamic design made it a popular choice among amateur racers and builders.

Rochdale Mk IV

Released shortly after the GT, the Mk IV offered more headroom and a larger interior. Like its predecessor, it was a fiberglass shell intended for use on donor chassis.

The Olympic: A Fiberglass Milestone (1959–1973)

In 1959, Rochdale launched its most ambitious and iconic model — the Rochdale Olympic. Unlike previous models, the Olympic featured a full monocoque fiberglass construction, which was rare and advanced at the time.

Olympic Phase I

The first version of the Olympic used front suspension from the Morris Minor and engines such as the Riley 1.5 or Ford 1.5L. The car was praised for its light weight, rigidity, and surprisingly good performance.

Olympic Phase II

Introduced in 1963, the Phase II included updates like better front suspension geometry, improved cooling, and various refinements to handling and comfort. Most examples used the BMC B-Series engine.

Competition and Road Use

The Olympic found favor among club racers and spirited drivers. Its aerodynamic body, light curb weight, and agile handling made it a capable competitor on track and hill climbs.

Challenges and Decline (Late 1960s–1973)

Despite engineering success, Rochdale faced numerous challenges:

• Limited financial resources.
• Growing competition from better-funded kit car manufacturers.
• Changes in UK regulations that made self-build cars more difficult to register and insure.

Factory Fire

In 1961, a major fire at the Rochdale factory destroyed valuable tooling, molds, and stock. Though the company recovered and continued production, it never returned to its full previous capacity.

End of Car Production

By the early 1970s, demand had declined significantly. Rochdale ceased car production around 1973, having built roughly 400 Olympic models in total.

Legacy of Rochdale

While Rochdale was never a large manufacturer, its innovative use of fiberglass and commitment to accessible performance earned it a unique place in British motoring history.

Surviving Cars and Clubs

Many Rochdale cars still survive, especially the Olympic. Enthusiasts have restored and preserved these vehicles, and the Rochdale Owners Club remains active in promoting the brand’s legacy.

Engineering Influence

The Olympic’s fiberglass monocoque construction was ahead of its time and influenced other low-volume manufacturers. Rochdale helped prove that composite bodies could be viable beyond racing applications.

Conclusion

The Rochdale car company is a shining example of British ingenuity in the post-war motoring era. Through innovation, lightweight design, and a passion for performance, Rochdale delivered cars that punched well above their weight. Though short-lived, its influence is still appreciated by classic car enthusiasts and kit car historians alike.