Like many of its peer group, Midlands-based manufacturers, Swift of Coventry Ltd adapted skills gained in the manufacture of bicycles, tricycles and quadricycles to motor car production.

Their earliest light car employed a locally built MMC engine and all early cars were powered by single cylinder units from various manufacturers until 1904 when a twin cylinder 10hp car was added to the range.

This attractive and practical four seat Brighton-eligible car was discovered in Ireland c.1960 and brought to England.

Its new owner was Lt.

Col.

J F Gresham of Worcestershire, a V.C.C.

stalwart who campaigned the car actively, taking part in five London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs and also rallying with the Swift in Holland.

Remarkably the car was driven from its Worcestershire home to participate in all of these events.

Upon acquisition of the family 1901 De Dion Bouton, bought new by his father, Gresham parted with the Swift to well known Yorkshire collector, the late Peter Black, in ...