Vintage Garage History of S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd



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S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd

Formed in the mid 19th century S. Smith & Son was originally a clock and watch company who later used their knowledge and expertise in mechanisms to produce the first British milometer and speedometer in 1900. The business was progressive and by around 1915 they had large premises at Cricklewood employing 2000 staff. In 1917 the company was formalised as S. Smith and Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd, a name that was to last until 1944 when it became S. Smith and Sons (England) Ltd. In 1919 racing driver Kenelm Lee Guinness who founded 'KLG Sparking plugs' in 1912 sold world distribution rights for his KLG brand to S. Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd and in 1927 they bought his company out entirely. Another well known company product was Bluecol Anti-Freeze illustrated by this 1938 advertising showcard.

The business operations of the company were diverse and covered; Motor Accessories, Industrial Instruments, Aircraft Instruments, and Clocks. The company continued to expand and by the mid 1960's it had over 25000 employees in the UK. The company name was changed again in 1966 to Smiths Industries, and in 2000 Smiths merged with the TI Group to become Smiths Group PLC.

Examples of company motor products

1920	1920	1932	1952	1962

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