Carfield Motorcycles

Carfield motorcycles were made by The Carfield Motor Company, in Windmill Lane, Smethwick. The company was founded by a Mr. Carter and a Mr. Fielding in 1919.

Two models were launched in the company’s first year, both belt driven and powered by a 2½hp. Villiers 2-stroke engine. The more expensive model had a two-speed Albion gearbox, and a clutch. It sold for £58, and was also available with a kick-starter for an extra £7. The cheaper model had a direct drive, and sold for £50.10s.0d. By 1921 the machines were available with Villiers, J.A.P., or Coventry Victor engines.

An advert from 1919. Courtesy of the late Jim Bouton.

Carfield’s best known model, the Carfield ‘Baby’ appeared in 1923. It was fitted with a 1½hp. Villiers engine, a 2-speed Albion gearbox, AMAC carburettor, and a belt drive. It sold for £30. Extras included an electric light (an extra £1.10s.0d.) and a kick-starter (an extra £2). Both brakes worked on the rear belt rim.

The machine made a name for itself when Bruce Carter, a director of the company, won a bronze medal for successfully competing in the 1923 Scottish Six Days Trial, riding a Carfield ‘Baby’.

The Carfield 'Baby' that's on display at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.

Another view of the same machine.

A close-up view of the engine.

Another new model was launched in 1924, available with a J.A.P., or Blackburne engine. It had a 2-speed Albion gearbox, and sold for £35.10s.0d. In 1925 Carfield only used Villiers engines, and launched two new versions of the ‘Baby’, one with a 172c.c. engine, and the other with a 247c.c. engine.

Carfield’s final machine, powered by a J.A.P. 2-stroke AZA engine, appeared in 1927, but only a few seem to have been made. By the late 1920s, sales of motorcycles were falling, and the industry went through a difficult period. There were many casualties, including Carfield, which closed its doors for the last time in 1928.

It is thought that only 8 Carfields still survive.

A final view of the Carfield 'Baby' that's on display at the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.