Asquith (1981 automobile)

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The Asquith is an English automobile built since 1981 in Great Yeldham, Essex.

They started building "Retro-style" delivery vans on the Ford Transit chassis in 1982. In 1991 the company announced production of a 1930s-style taxi cab that would meet the London Public Carriage Office regulations on a purpose-built chassis.

Originally based in Great Yeldham in Essex, Asquith employed 30 fulltime craftsmen who handmade over 1,000 vehicles, many exported to countries as far away as Japan and USA . In the late 1990’s the company experienced some challenges. The cost of manufacture had increased, research & development on new vehicles including the London Taxi had spiralled and a large Japanese order being cancelled, due to japan economy, meant the company was forced into receivership.

The company was purchased from the liquidators by Mike Edgar in 1997. The factory was moved to Dresden but closed in 2001 when the River Elbe flooded the factory.

In 2003 the moulds and rights were purchased by Simon Rhodes and Asquith Motor Company Ltd was established to develop new versions of the original vehicles.

In 2005, Asquith bought the Vintage Motor Company Ltd, based in Doncaster. This purchase will allow Asquith to expand its range and confirm its position as the world’s most unique motor producer! see [link]

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