Alta (automobile)
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Created by Geoffrey Taylor in 1931, the Alta was an English automobile manufactured in Surbiton, Surrey, in small numbers until 1954.
Initially, Taylor's cars were powered by an 1100cc engine, featuring an aluminium block, wet liners and shaft-driven twin overhead camshafts, which he designed himself. It was offered in normal or supercharged form giving 49 or 76 bhp. A choice of 4 speed non synchromesh or pre-selector gearboxes was available. These were mounted on a low-slung chassis frame with open two or four seat bodies. Thirteen were made of which five are thought to survive.
In 1935 1496cc and 1961cc engines became available also with a supercharger option. With the highest power option the car was capable of 120 mph and 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. In 1937 the company introduced front independent suspension to the chassis. Six were made. They also made a series of single seat racing cars which competed with some success in short events such as sprints but were not sufficiently reliable in longer races. An improved all independent version came along in 1937 and racing driver George Abecassis drove one to several victories in Voiturette formula events.
After the war Taylor announced a range of more aerodynamic two and four seat cars including saloons but it is not known if any were actually built. Instead he concentrated on racing with the Alta racing team and built a car for the current Formula 1 before specialising in the manufacture of engines for HWM and Connaught racing cars.
Geoffrey Taylor died in 1966 at the age of 63 years. In 1976 his son, Michael, attempted to revive the Alta name with an Formula Ford car but was not successful.
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