Taking its name from the Phoenix Cycling Club, of which company founder J Van Hooydonk was a member, the Phoenix Motor Company was established in London in 1903 before moving to Letchworth, Hertfordshire in 1911.

The firm first produced motorcycles and then tricycles before introducing a conventional but short-lived light car as early as 1904.

designed by its works manager, Albert E Bowyer-Lowe, Phoenix's first true car - a twin-cylinder 10hp voiturette - appeared in 1908 and continued in production until 1915 alongside a more modern 11.9hp four.

Although somewhat old fashioned in appearance with its coal scuttle bonnet and dashboard-mounted radiator, the latter resumed production after WWI and was produced until 1922 when it was superseded by the Meadows engined 12/25.

Cars continued to be produced in small numbers until 1924 when the company went into liquidation, while a tiny handful left the factory in 1925.

The Letchworth works was later used for the manufacture of Ascot and ...