The design was very primitive and so the machine was short-lived.
This machine was a forecar powered by a 4hp Rex water-cooled engine driving a two-speed gear.
It was also sold as the Vinco.
Mr BC Holmes... recently made an attempt to break the record from Land's End to John-o'-Groat's - a distance of 876 miles - which stands at 64hr 29min... Unfortunately, he was overtaken by an accident on approaching Warrington... and a pedal crank of his machine was broken. Notwithstanding this reverse, he pluckily remounted and rode to Warrington, where he was advised to discontinue the attempt... He rode a 2½hp Vinco (Minerva engine), manufactured by Messrs WR Heighton of Peterborough, and it stood the test remarkably well.
1904 A 3½ hp model was added, plus a forecar powered by a 4hp Rex. It was also sold as a Heighton.
Several of the Vinco motor cycles were entered for the 200 miles trial. and ran into the final, and lost the chief prize through an unfortunate accident, the carrier coming loose, causing the rider to make one stop, which was against the rules of the competition. The Vinco motor cycles are fitted with Minerva engines of 2¾ and 3½ h.p., with the addition of one forecarriage, which is provided with the new 4 h.p. Rex air-cooled engine, and one single machine also fitted with the Rex engine and surface carburetter. The exhibit is tastefully arranged, and several trophies won on these machines have very prominent positions on the centre of the stand. (Stand 119.)
Stanley Show, The Motor Cycle Nov 25th, 1903
W. R. Heighton, Ltd., Peterborough (Stand 127).–
This firm is exhibiting a 3 h.p. air-cooled tricar, fitted with a Fafnir engine, governed on the inlet by means of a finely-adjusted ratchet quadrant fixed on the tank. The transmission is by belt, and the fittings are Chater-Lea throughout. Particular attention has been paid to brakes. A foot brake operated by a lever fixed on to the bracket supporting the engine is applied to the rear of the belt rim by means of a rod. A pedal also operates the front brake drums, which are of ample width and diameter.
The latest Vinco tricar is of exceptionally taking design. A 3½ h.p. engine placed vertically in the frame is fitted ; this is water-cooled, and is governed on the inlet valve. The transmission is by chain and countershaft to the back wheel, while on the motor shaft an epicyclic two-speed gear is carried, incorporating a free engine clutch. The water circulation is arranged on the thermosyphon system, and the radiators take the form of spiral tubes running from the tank to the water jacket. A Longuemare carburetter is fitted. Particular attention has been paid to points of convenience; petrol gauges are fitted to the petrol tank, and to the oil and water tank; the petrol tank is carried underneath the driver's seat, which, by the way, is of the bucket pattern and nicely sprung. The three levers controlling the regulator, spark, and throttle are placed on a bracket within easy reach of the steering wheel. The front seat is coach-built, and very nicely sprung. The steering gear also appears to be extremely substantial. A powerful band brake is fitted to the back wheel, and applied by a foot lever, whilst a similar lever on the near side works a front brake. The coil and the accumulators are carried in a box on the footboard, The frame, which is very well designed, is built on the truss principle, and so arranged that the machine can be easily driven by a lady.
On this stand we also noticed two 2¾ h.p. Vinco motor bicycles, both fitted with Minerva engines, one inclined and the other in a vertical position. A special form of brake is fitted to these machines working on an eccentric.
Report on the 1904 Stanley Show, The Motor Cycle, November 28th.
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
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