Fairthorpe

GB, 1954 to date

(1) Fairthorpe Ltd, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks., 1954 – 1961

(2) Fairthorpe Ltd, Gerrards Cross, Bucks., 1961 – 1964

(3) Fairthorpe Ltd, Denham, Bucks., 1964 to date

Air Vice-Mashal D.C.T. Bennett commenced motor manufacture with the Fairthorpe Atom, a fiberglass-bodied two/four-seater saloon with all-independent suspension. This Fairthorpe was available with rear-mounted BSA engine of 250, 350 or 650cc. In 650cc form, performance was markedly above average for a minicar, but the model rather lacked comfort. It was superseded by the front-engined Fairthorpe Atomota. In 1958 the Fairthorpe Electron was introduced, with a simple tubular ladder frame, coil independent front suspension and fiberglass bodywork. This was one of the smallest, lightest an cheapest cars available with the 1098cc Coventry-Climax engine, but it was soon decided to market a yet cheaper model, the Fairthorpe Electron Minor with a 948cc Standard engine. Production at times exceeded 20 Fairthorpe cars a month, and the Fairthorpe EM3 version with a Triumph Spitfire engine was still selling well nine years later. A saloon version, the Fairthorpe Electrina, was also available, and other models included the Fairthorpe Zeta, with Ford Zephyr power unit, and the Fairthorpe Rockette, with the 1596cc Triumph Vitesse, both being similar in layout to the Electron. A different style came out in 1965, when Torix Bennett developed the Fairthorpe TX1. This model had a distinctive suspension system, incorporating cross-linked independent rear suspension to achieve negative camber under roll and Armstrong Selectaride damper units for all wheels. For 1968 the Fairthorpe Electron Minor was given the Triumph Spitfire 1300 engine, while the Fairthorpe TX1 was developed into the TX GT, with Triumph GT6 engine and new body, but retaining the TX 1’s rear suspension. This Fairthorpe model was supplemented later with the lighter and more luxurious TXS and TXSS. The latter was available from 1971 with Triumph 2.5PI engine at £1700 in component form, but with the transverse-rod suspension system as an optional extra. The Fairthorpe Electron Minor continued with the Triumph 1300 engine, reaching a Mark 6 version priced at £1330 in 1972. The TX Tripper was marketed separately by Technical Exponents Ltd.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; DF

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