An English engineer born in the late 1800s, in London, Frederick William Lanchester was a man who is marked in history as one of the greatest contributors to the development of automobile and aeronautic technology.
Lanchester completed his college work at Hartley University College followed by the National School of Science at Imperial College. After working a few years for the Forward Gas Engine Company of Birmingham, he decided to go out on his own and start up a workshop.
He recruited his brother and together they built the first petrol car in England. It was an internal combustion engine with a chain drive, a single cylinder 5 horsepower automobile.
Unsatisfied with his results, however, Lanchester redesigned it the next year, transforming it into a two-cylinder horizontally opposed engine. A new development, his wick carburetor made the auto more powerful and faster than the first.
Eventually bringing in a second brother, Lanchester and his group created the Lanchester Engine Company in 1900. Under this company name, Lanchester is credited with developing disk brakes, the crankshaft damper, the accelerator pedal, stamped steel pistons, detachable wire wheels and many other components still used in today’s vehicles.
Related Posts
Key Takeaways On average, passenger vehicle tires last 40,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on type, driving habits, and maintenance. Replace tires when tread depth reaches 2/32”, if damaged, or older than 10 years. Regular rotation, alignment, and proper inflation extend tire life. Aggressive driving, poor roads, and harsh weather shorten tire lifespan. Take advantage [...]
When you think about car maintenance, you probably focus on oil changes, tire rotations, and maybe even brake pad replacement. But what about your brake fluid? If you’ve ever wondered, “What does brake fluid do?” or “Why is brake fluid important?”, you’re not alone. Brake fluid might not be the most talked-about part of [...]
Is that high-pitched squeal from your brakes driving you—and everyone else—crazy? Don’t ignore it. Squeaky brakes aren’t just annoying, they’re your car’s way of saying something needs attention. Whether you're cruising through Salt Lake City or winding up Idaho’s mountain passes, here’s what’s likely going on, how you can fix it, and when it [...]
