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The Gnome is a cyclecar
Small, inexpensive automobile that filled the gap in the market between the motorcycle and the car. built by the London manufacturer Gnome Cars from 1925 until 1926, in which year the name of the company and the car was changed to Nomad.[1]
Power was provided by a single-cylinder, air cooled, two stroke 343 cc Villiers engine mounted at the rear of the car, driving the rear wheels via friction transmission, giving four speeds in forwards and reverse.[1] The integral body and chassis were made of steel and plywood, and suspension was provided by the Dunlop balloon tyres, inflated to only 6 psi (0.41 bar). The front bonnet gave access to a luggage compartment.[2]
The car was claimed to have a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and a fuel consumption of 50 mpg (18 km/l).[2] It was originally priced at £75, which increased to £100 when the branding was changed to Nomad in 1926, and an electric starter was introduced.[1] It is unknown how many vehicles were built, but it is almost certainly in the tens rather than the hundreds.[2]