1906 Gladiator

This was one of the vehicles that took part in the Lancashire Automobile Club's Manchester to Blackpool Veteran and Vintage Car Run in April 1965 and I took this photograph at the roundabout that at one time stood at the junction of the A6 and Cross Lane in Pendleton.

It's a 1906 Gladiator and the Programme of the event had this note about it:

16 1906 Gladiator (W. Eric Offley)

Three-litre engine, twin camshaft, dual ignition. Four-speed gearbox. Made by a French firm which commenced manufacture in the 1890s. Winner of the Ford Trophy last year.

(The Ford Trophy was awarded for the best road performance by an Edwardian car)

The Gladiator Company was founded as a cycle manufacturer in 1891 and in 1895 began to produce motorized vehicles. It was eventually taken over by Vinot et Deguingand and the Gladiator name was dropped in 1920.

The DVLA record says that the car has been untaxed since November 1989.