SPHINX MOTOR COMPANY
The Sphinx Motor Company was started n 1904 by Alec D Tyler in a Peel Street building owned by his father, John William Tyler. In May of that year the building and contents were burned by a fire started with petrol used for cleaning. The business moved to Bent Street and was advertising two Speedwell cars, which are the two to the right front of the photo. The furthest right has 'Phoenix' on the bonnet top. To the front left is the Botiaux De Dion (p.67). They also had a 6hp Vauxhall for sale, and like the Speedwells, it did not appear on the list when registration commenced in 1906, although Alec Tyler entered it in a December 1904 hillclimb to Norton Summit.
Alec Tyler closed his business and was employed as manager of the Adelaide Motor Works in 1905 (p.86)
His father had moved back to UK and in 1907 Alec joined him to take up management of a Midlands motor
dealership for Austin.

Image courtesy Terry Parker of the VVMCSA.