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3-wheelers.com
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I understand that it was your Great Uncle and Great Grandfather who designed and built the vehicles. It must be great having something like that in your family history. Was it something you always knew about or was told about later on in life?
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Peter Stanhope
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From the 1970’s I was aware of the family history, but not the full details. I have always been interested in engineering/motoring, but at the time didn’t look into the family history. Sadly, it was after my Uncles death that I got the full details in 2007
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3-wheelers.com
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I know you have just taken ownership of the sole surviving Stanhope 3-wheeler. How did you get to hear about it?
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Peter Stanhope
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After my Uncles funeral I made contact with the owner via a museum where he was storing it, and over the following months we discussed options.
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3-wheelers.com
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You must have been very excited to find it. Do you need to do much to it to get it back to its former glory?
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Peter Stanhope
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I am very pleased to say that Martin has done a fabulous job in restoring it and there will be just the usual ‘checking it over’ to get it through its MOT, I hope! That said, does anyone know about JAP engines? It is an oil drip feed one, and I have never worked on this type so do not wish to ruin it! It was fully rebuilt at restoration time.
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3-wheelers.com
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Do you intend to make it road legal and use it for shows and rallies or to put it on display somewhere?
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Peter Stanhope
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Yes. I had hoped to get it MOTed this spring (2010) but with other family commitments I have not made the time yet! As for shows/rallies that I will do, if and when I get spare time!
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3-wheelers.com
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Is this the only known Stanhope period or are there any known 4-wheelers?
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Peter Stanhope
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Sadly to my knowledge this is the only remaining car. There were only about 200 cars in total manufactured in Leeds from about 1918 to 1923, we believe. We do have a photograph of one 4 wheel car, and would love to trace that if we can! The other name that some are know by is ‘Bramham’ since for a year or so a wealthy butcher sponsored the business and gave his name to the company.
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3-wheelers.com
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Looking at a photo of the front axle of the 4-wheeler it looks an amazing piece of engineering and the 3-wheeler appears to be a chain driving the single front wheel as well. That's quite unusual wouldn't you think when most vehicles of the time had the rear wheels driven?
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Peter Stanhope
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Front wheel drive was a passion of my family, they felt the design was the best route for getting the power to the road. They patented a number of inventions, the steering mechanisms of the 3 and 4 wheel design, plus the infinitely variable gearbox, that DAF eventually built.
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3-wheelers.com
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How successful were Stanhope vehicles, how many of them do you know of that were made?
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Peter Stanhope
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We believe about 200 were built, and they were quite successful on hill climbs in the Leeds area. Sadly no trophies remain! But I would like to find some results if anyone has details!!
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3-wheelers.com
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Would you still be interested in 3-wheelers without the family connection to them?
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Peter Stanhope
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My 1st car was a Reliant Robin, handed down to me by my Uncle who once owned the car that I now have. However from a practical point of view these days I think not!
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3-wheelers.com
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Given the opportunity would you ever like to reignite the Stanhope Motor company with an updated version of the Stanhope or do you think they are best remembered as they are as part of early motoring history.
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Peter Stanhope
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With all the rules and regulations there are these days (mine has no electrics, it’s a kick start, and no seat belts etc etc) it really would not be practical to start a company these days.
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3-wheelers.com
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If anyone knows of any other existing Stanhopes or has more information about the company, what is the best way for them to get in touch with you?
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Peter Stanhope
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It would be great to get any more historical information, on the Stanhope or Bramham derivative, 3 wheel or 4 wheelers. Plus, if anyone knows of where a car or two are laying then that would be even better information! Please pass on any information to Elvis, and he will get it on to me.
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3-wheelers.com
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Peter, thank you very much for taking part in this interview for 3-wheelers.com's 10th birthday. Your time is much appreciated.
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Peter Stanhope
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Its really great what has been created with the website, keep up the good work Elvis!
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