German Fuldas were imported whilst the
production line got underway. The plan was
for Short Brothers to build the entire vehicle
with the exception of the 191cc Sachs engine,
which had four forward gears and four reverse
gears! This was an engine that was also used
in the Messerschmitt bubblecar and the Prior
Viscount scooter (albeit with different gearing).
In the Nobel the engine was rear mounted and
fed fuel through a three-gallon petrol tank.
It ran on eight-inch wheels and came with
a spare wheel as standard. Top speed was
an impressive 40mph (for the day) with two
persons on board. The vehicles were produced
in a two-tone paint finish (colours divided by
the Nobel’s distinctive Z-shaped moulding), a
solid roof, and they were mostly in right-hand
drive form. When production ended in 1959,
Short Brothers sold the body moulds on.WINSTON’S PRIDE & JOY
The lovingly restored example featured here
belongs to 70-year-old Winston Phair from
Irvinestown in County Fermanagh. Winston
bought the car over 30 years ago for the
princely sum of £250, but he only started torestore it in February 2018, completing it
11 months later. He carried out the majority
of the restoration himself and sent the engine
to a specialist to be rebuilt. A local car painter
was entrusted with the two-tone paint scheme
similar to the factory finish.Keen to enrich
his knowledge on the Nobel brand, Winston is
keen to hear from anyone who worked on the
production line in the Belfast factory, or from
other Nobel owners. You can give him a call on
07798 924142.
Words/additional info: Rod Gillan/Mau
Images: Rod GillanPR DEPARTMENT WORKS
ITS MAGIC...
Some pictures from the original publicity
campaignPRDEPARTMENTWORKS
THE WORK BEGINS...
Winston’s Nobel shown in its original state
and whilst under restoration