F. Hopper and Co

• Torpedo were motorcycles produced from 1908 to 1915.

• 1880 Company established.

• 1907 Incorporated as a Limited Company. The company was registered on 13 February, as a private limited company, to acquire a business of cycle manufacturers.

• 1908 The machine was first catalogued.

• 1910 The Torpedo was first seen at the late Olympia show. It was intended to use a 4.25 Fafnir engine, but this was changed to 2½hp and 3½hp Precision engines, with belt drive and Druid forks.

1910 Cycle and Motorcycle Exhibition
F. Hopper and Co.
Barton-on-Humber. Stand No. 88.
These motor-cycles have a well chosen name in the "Torpedo." There are two patterns, the 3 1/2 HP with ball bear- in motor, adjustable pulley having ratios from 4 to 1 to to 1, Brown and Barlow carburetter, and 2-l/4 in. tyres. The light-weight has a 2 H.P. motor, Amac carburetter, 6 to 1 gear, and 1 3/4 studded tyres. Simms magnetos and Lyso belts are used in both cases, while the tyres are Dunlops. The weight of the full roadster with carrier and stand is reckoned at 160 lbs., while the light-weight is well under 100 lbs.

• Later came a 4¼hp model with hub gears and a 190cc lightweight.

• 1914 A V-twin was added.

• 1914 Wholesale cycle, motor cycle and motor car manufacturers. Specialities: complete machines, frames and concomitant parts. Employees 50.

• 1915 The range continued for that year.

• The company also sold motorcycle sets comprising frame, forks, tank, wheels, mudguards, pedals and handlebars. The trader then added engine, transmission, saddle, tyres and other minor details, including transfer outline, to sell as his own make of machine. It was the same machine as the Elswick.