Despite the fact that the Daimler factory in Coventry was
a daughter company until it was sold to Jaguar in 1956, BSA also produced
cars under their own name. The first BSA car was the 18/23 hp.
Landaulette of 1908.
Between 1910 and 1920 several models, mostly with Daimler engines, were
launched, f.e. the 15-20h.p. TouringCar with a torpedo body (RAC rating
13.9h.p.).
During the Great War (WW-I) also much army equipment was produced by the
Coventry daughter companies Daimler as well as Lanchester. What to think of
aeroplanes, tank + aero-engines, tractors, lorries, staff cars, ambulances and
shells (Daimler) and armoured cars, staff cars, aero engines, kite balloon
winches and paravanes (Lanchester).
For public cars however it lasted until 1921 before a popular model was produced, being
the 10HP. The engine was an air-cooled 1080cc-OHV v-twin produced by the British branch
of the French Hotchkiss firm. The model was rather silent due to the "modern" rear axle
and its reliable engine mounted behind a "fake-radiator" which was only there to give
it a better "car-look". Until 1924 this model was fairly sold. Its engine was used
again in 1929 in the 3-wheeler model Beeza. This "car" was solid, well built (for those
days), rather silent and last but not least: cheap in purchase and in taxes.
Later the engine was replaced by a 4-cylinder and after that even a fourth
wheel added (the frontwheel-drive model Scout), which also meant the end of its
career as, due to taxes, it was no longer classified as a motorcycle.
The last of the line was the 1939 "Drophead coupe" Scout model, but several other
models were produced too in the thirties. (from: several articles of The Autocar ).
Meanwhile (very early 1938) plans began for another Scout. This successful
fighting vehicle of its class in WW-II, called the B.S.A. Daimler Scout
(Reconnaissance Car). It was a 7mm armour plated 2-seater and worked out
with a 2½ litre Daimler engine, 4wheel drive and independent suspension.
A machine gun too was mounted. It could do a speed of 60 miles in forward
gear and 55 miles in reverse, for which the rear wheels were equipped
with a special arrangement. The only problem was the production
due to a lack of space in the own works (every inch was needed for the
war industry), but a happy solution was found within the B.S.A. Group,
for the Daimler Company. After a test and a first order of 500 Scouts,
the Daimler designers developed from the Scout their new model: Mark
I Armoured Car. It was a bigger vehicle, carrying a crew of three and
a second steering wheel for use when the car was being driven in reverse.
Such was their reliability that Field-Marshal Rommel chose a captured
Scout to escape after Field-Marshal Montgomery had inflicted a decisive
defeat on the Africa Korps at El Alamein.
(from: BSA, The other battle).
As you can see BSA cars are really an interesting subject.
With my limited knowledge and the items in my collection about "BSA Cars
Ltd." and hopefully with what you will add (and correct or convince me
when I am mistaken), I hope that together we can make this site even more
interesting.