1912

Founder T.F.Watson invents folding sidecar to enable access through the side passage of terraced houses. Established the Watsonian Folding Sidecar Co. at Balsall Heath, Birmingham

1914 - 22

Expansion of conventional rigid sidecars, Featherweight chassis for 3 hp machines, body construction in wicker, fabric over ash frame and aluminium.

1922

Move to Hockley, Birmingham

1926

Kwikfit easily detachable chassis introduced.

1930

Name changed to Watsonian Sidecar Co Ltd

Hockley factory burnt down.

1931

Move to new factory in Greet, Birmingham

1932

First purpose built competition chassis.

1938

First production of trials sidecars

1945

beginning of post-war boom – 200 sidecars a week production.

1949

Eric Oliver wins world sidecar championship with Watsonian sidecar

1950

Prototype Watsonian 1000cc V twin motorcycle – not put into production

1954

Monaco sidecar introduced with part GRP construction

Followed by Bambini lightweight – all GRP.

1955

160,000 sidecar outfits on the road – 50% Watsonian.

1958

90% of company production is sidecars

1965

20% of company production is sidecars – GRP subcontracting predominates.

Introduction of Super Silk perimeter frame chassis

1970s

Export sales to USA and Scandinavia expand.

GRP products and sub-contract work for BMC and Land Rover expands   further

1981

Land Rover contract terminated, return to full sidecar production

1984

Move to Blockley, Glos.

1989

Merger with Squire Sidecars – formation of Watsonian-Squire Ltd