Proposed Motor Works Trafford Park Manchester.

In 1920 Thomas Milnes Foden was commissioned to provide designs for proposedworks in Ashburton Road, Trafford Park, Manchester for the British Commercial Lorry & Engineering Company Ltd.

Andrew L Knox‑Gilchrist was the main person behind the company, which seems to have started in 1915 at County Motor Works, Sale, Cheshire, with an office at 66 Bridge Street, Manchester. They offered a large range of trucks marketed under the name "County," their sole agents being The Lancashire Motor & Engineering Company Ltd. at Fishergate, Preston. They were still offering lorries in 1916 several years after The First World War had started although the majority would have been built under the War Department subsidy scheme. (Operators received a subsidy on new trucks on the understanding that they could be requisitioned).

"The Light Car & Cyclecar" magazine reported on the 5th March 1919 a new Light Car engine made by Duplex Engines Ltd. at 68 Bridge Street, Manchester. (near to the British Commercial Lorry & Engineering Company Ltd.) and assumed under the same ownership. On the 13th May a complete Duplex car was advertised in "The Motor", although the car tested by "The Light Car & Cyclecar" magazine on the 14th June was actually an old chassis with the engine replaced by a Duplex unit. Offering to take orders while being unable to provide a complete car for the press seems odd, but the number of war surplus lorries & trucks on the market in 1919 would have severely reduced demand for their main product. Unusually a full year’s comprehensive insurance was offered with the cars.

They did not sell well and in January 1920 a meeting of creditors revealed serious liabilities. In March 1921 the company offered their stock at reduced prices to the motor trade only. A receiver was appointed on the 26th August and although Duplex appeared in buyers guides until 1922 it is unlikely that any were made after August 1920. There are no known survivors from a production of about 100 vehicles.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 12 May 1921 page 8 - legal
Reference    Greater Manchester Records Office - Claims against the company for abortive fees on a contract valued at about £120,000