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Tamplin
Car : Tamplin
Year : 1920
Engine : V-twin
Bore and stroke : 85×85 mm
Cylinder capacity : 900 cc
Gears : 3 forward
Brake horse power :10
Maximum speed : 42 mph
Wheelbase : 7 ft 0 ins (2.13 m)
Suspension : front: independent with closed helical springs contained in tubes;
back:¼ elliptic leaf- springs
This vehicle’s curious and highly original bodywork is the result of the fenders, which continue uninterruptedly right along the whole length of the car. They were made of wood, as were the box-shaped chassis with weatherproofed fiberboard panels with plate reinforcements. The fenders also acted as supports. Another interesting feature of the Tamplin was the independent front suspension, which at the beginning of the 1920s was far from common.
The car’s motorcycle origins are amply demonstrated by the lack of starter (until 1923) and reverse gear. The vehicle was set in motion by means of a pedal operated from the driving seat. The two seats were almost in tandem, and the passenger could stretch out his legs beside the driver. The JAP engine (mounted at the front) and Sturmey-Archer gearbox also derived from the motorcycle. The wheel transmission operated by means of cables and pulleys, and as these were not covered, bad weather posed certain problems. There was only one pedal to work both clutch and brake, which acted on the rear wheel rim. The handbrake acted on the pulley of the gear-shaft. There was no electrical system. The car had acetylene lights and magneto ignition.