George Lanchester

George Herbert Lanchester (1874 to 13 February 1970) was an English engineer and one of three brothers who played a leading role in the early British motor industry. He began an apprenticeship at the Forward Gas Engine Company in Birmingham at fifteen and became its works manager while still a teenager. Between 1894 and 1898 he worked with his brother Frederick on the first Lanchester petrol car, doing much of the detailed component design. In 1899 the brothers set up the Lanchester Engine Company, where George was production manager. When Frederick left full-time involvement in 1909, George took over responsibility for the Lanchester Motor Company and later added the role of chief designer. He designed the overhead camshaft six and eight cylinder engines that built the company reputation, and left after its takeover by BSA-Daimler.