Gleniffer Engines
United Kingdom
About
A Summary of the History of Gleniffer Engines
Gleniffer Engines was a Scottish engineering firm based at the Temple Works in Anniesland, Glasgow, known for the production of internal combustion engines for marine, railway, and stationary applications.
The company's origins date to the early 20th century; by 1911, its paraffin engine was being utilised by John Scott Engines for lighting sets. The business was formally incorporated in 1912 as Gleniffer Motors Limited, with the stated objective of manufacturing motor omnibuses, automobiles, and cars. However, the firm became particularly noted for its marine motors, with a range of models and prices documented by 1917.
By the mid-20th century, Gleniffer had expanded its focus to include high-speed diesel engines. During the Second World War, in 1944, the company was producing six, eight, twelve, and sixteen-cylinder diesel engines for both railway and marine use. In the post-war period, its marine engines were specifically designed for the propulsion of small vessels, including cargo craft, ferries, and tugs, as advertised in 1955.
The independent existence of Gleniffer Engines concluded in 1963 when the company was acquired by Bergius-Kelvin, another Glasgow-based marine engineering firm.