G.W.K.

GB, 1911 – 1931

(1) GWK Ltd, Datchet, Bucks., 1911 – 1914

(2) GWK Ltd, Maidenhed, Berks., 1914 – 1931

The GWK cyclecar was notable in that it was a successful instance of the application of friction drive. At first, weight was low of the GWK, and the vertical twin-cylinder side-valve Coventry-Simplex engine, which lived at the rear, could push the GWK along at about 35mph. Up to 1914, the GWK was popular because of its economy. Its friction discs were of compressed paper at first, and then after 1919, of cork. By 1921 a four-cylinder 1.368cc Coventry-Simplex engine had replaced the twin in the GWK, and a self-starter had been added increasing the weight. This went up again in 1924, when front-wheel brakes and a 1½-litre engine were fitted on GWK cars. These modern conveniences were offered in order to compete with quantity-produced light cars, but the little Austin Seven was faster, more economical, and already cheaper that the GWK car. The GWK went out of production in 1926. Grice had already departed, in 1920, to make the very similar Unit, and in 1920 he tried to revive the GWK, showing another rear-engined car with friction drive bearing the original name, but this GWK never appeared on the market.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN

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