The Rise of Friswell’s Motor Depot
Charles Friswell, a visionary in his early thirties, set out to create what he boldly claimed to be the world’s largest motor depot. This ambitious project housed a vast storage area, a paint shop capable of accommodating 50 cars, a repair shop even larger than that, and a showroom that was touted as the largest in the world for new cars. The facility also included a motorcycle department, a garage for 200 cars, a separate garage for over 100 carriages, rooms for weekly auctions, an electric charging and lighting station, a repository of 1030 safes, and a seven-ton lift. The entire complex was furnace-heated, electrically lit, and supposedly fireproof – a true marvel of engineering.
Not content with just one location, Friswell’s firm also operated two used sales depots at Holland Park and Long Acre, further solidifying their presence in the automotive market.
One of the standout models that gained popularity during this time was the Peugeot Type 37, affectionately referred to as the “Baby.” Introduced in 1902, this compact vehicle featured a 5bhp one-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, permanently meshed gears, and seating for two. Friswell touted it as a “useful little carriage for everybody,” suitable for gentlemen needing a smaller vehicle for running errands or individuals looking for an affordable option. He even claimed that “any lady can drive it,” highlighting its ease of use and accessibility.
