SOPWITH DEBUT THE DOVE AT LONDON CONCOURS

Sopwith joined forces with sister companies. Levis Motorcycles and British Vintage Brands to exhibit at the prestigious London Concours event at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds in London on the 8 th -10 th June. The company debuted its first vehicle to date, the Sopwith Dove. Since acquiring the Sopwith brand just over a year ago the company has been developing this vehicle. It’s a unique three-wheeler car designed and built to celebrate the rich history and great Sopwith bi planes of the past.

The Sopwith team with the Dove, from left to right include: Phil Bevan, Richard Bevan, Dave Redshaw, Steve Kirk and sat in the car, Alan Tracey and Roz Martin.

Designer Steve Kirk said: “The concept behind the car is to give the driver as close as possible the experience of flying an early Sopwith bi-plane but on the road. The car is simple in design, with an open cockpit and styling cues taken from the aircraft. When you turn the steering wheel, the rudder moves with it and the rear flaps lift when braking. It’s designed to bring a smile to the drivers face but underneath it’s a serious car with full independent adjustable suspension and a choice of sister company Villiers inhouse designed and built engines from a 1.2 litre three- cylinder two stroke to a 1.2 litre V6 and even a fully electric version driving the rear wheel through a five-speed gearbox with reverse.

​Sopwith wanted the car to be a two seater so they have based it on the only two seater plane Sopwith made, the Dove. The only example left in England is housed at the Shuttleworth Collection and this car is based on that specific aircraft. It is painted in the same blue and cream livery and features an original propeller modified to fit.

The Reaction to the car at the event has been amazing, with lots of smiles and positive comments and several potential orders. We even had a visit from HRH Prince Michael of Kent who was very enthusiastic about the car. The company plans to have a fully running and driving Dove in a few weeks’ time. Powered by the little two stroke engine putting out around 100 bhp and with on overall weight of only 460 kilos it should make for a lively driving experience.