Argyle Motor Works

Wed, Oct 23rd 2024 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

Scotland's first automobile manufacturer.
John Peacock gave the history.

At the start of the meeting Frank Quinault and Angus Mitchell gave tributes to the late Wilson Sibbett followed by a brief period of reflection. The speaker was John Peacock, a member of the Club, who talked about the history of Argyll Motor Works, Scotland’s first automobile manufacturer. John displayed a photograph from 1903 of his grandfather driving an Argyll- he had driven it from the factory to Hawick for the new owner, a local doctor (better than doing your rounds on horseback!). No driving licence was needed then, but when it became a legal requirement John's grandfather held licence no5! The original motor company was founded by Alexander Govan in 1899. Models developed rapidly, and the factory moved from Govan to a purpose-built factory in Alexandria, producing vehicles which were often used as taxis. An Argyll completed the Lands End to John o’ Groats journey in 42 hours! At its hight the factory was producing around 2,500 cars per year, but competition was tight and costs were high, and over twenty years the company declined, making a final appearance at the London Motor Show in 1927. The factory became a Royal Navy Torpedo factory in 1937, and is now an A-listed building. A fascinating talk enjoyed by all present. Rob Dougan gave the vote of thanks.