Madelvic
Car Factory off West Granton Road, Granton, is the oldest surviving car factory in
Britain. There was a test track on the roof of the factory.
Madelvic
Motors was founded by William (later Sir William) Peck, Edinburgh
City Astronomer. But the company survived for only two years -
from 1898 to 1900.
Madelvic
cars resembled old coaches. In fact, shafts were incorporated into
Madelvic cars so that horses could take over if the electric motor
failed.
The cars
were driven by a small fifth wheel. It can be seen in the photograph
above, making contact with the ground between and behind the two
front wheels.
The
company also produced some small two-seater electric cars in which the
front wheels were powered conventionally.
Madelvic
Motors became bankrupt and were taken over by
Kingsburgh Motor Company in 1900.
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