Description:An early Ryknield motor bus with passengers posing for the photographer outside the factory. Around the time of the picture this type of vehicle was also known as a charabanc or omnibus, both words came over from France in the early 19th century.
The Ryknield Motor Company Ltd. began life as the Ryknield Engine Company Ltd. The factory and offices were based on Shobnall Road, Burton. This short-lived motor car manufacturer was formed in February 1902 and started producing cars in 1903, initially offering both petrol and steam engines. Ernest E. Baguley who had been an apprentice in the rail industry saw the potential of the motor car and in 1901; he designed a steam-engine for a motor car. At the time he was employed as an engineer with W.G. Bagnall Ltd. and as they were not interested in the concept he left and joined the Ryknield Engine Company Ltd. as manager in November 1902. The company primarily manufactured for the cheaper end of the market producing a 10 horsepower car, with options as a four-seater, or as a light delivery van. In late 1905, the company suffered financial difficulties, and was eventually sold to Wilfred Clay, who had set up the Ryknield Motor Company Ltd., in early 1906. In contrast to the cars that had previously been produced, the new company targeted the commercial market. They adapted the chassis of the 10 horsepower car to produce a small, one ton, truck, while larger 8 litre and 9.8 litre models were made for longer journeys and they also trialled a motor bus.
The company was not very successful. In 1910 it was placed in receivership, and was sold to Baguley Cars Ltd., which had both Wilfred Clay and Ernest Baguley on its board, the latter as managing director.