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ABC Motors started as the All British Engine Company Ltd. around 1912 in London. The chief engineer at the time was Granville Bradshaw who built some of the earliest engines for the company. These engines were sold throughout the First World War, after which the company stepped completely into motorcycle engine production. The company was also associated with the British aircraft company Sopwith, who then brought these motorcycles to the market.

At the time, ABC motorcycles were very under-developed and were perceived as really unreliable. Although later on, the quality improved significantly and these motorcycles earned fame as the gentleman’s touring bike. The engineering models used in ABC motorcycles were very advanced and most of the machinery used was built on car principles. The engine unit was neat and compact and the gear change lever was just the same as used by cars at that time.
ABC Motorcycles were quite versatile on road and performed equally well in all conditions. The brakes were reliable and efficient and the stability was extraordinary.

The company did not end up doing very well in terms of sales and profits and ceased production in the 1920s. While in operation, it released 3 very popular models. The first one was the ABC 400cc which was manufactured between 1919 and 1925. It had a four-speed gearbox and reached a top speed of 70 miles per hour. The second one was ABC 500cc which was produced between 1920 and 1924. This was basically an improved version of the 400 version manufactured by a French company Gnome & Rhone under license. The third one was the ABC Skootamota which was more of a scooter than a motorcycle. The Skootamota had a 123cc engine attached to the rear wheel with a chain. There were external contracting band brakes and the overall drive was quite comfortable. This scooter was not very fast and could only reach a top speed of 15 miles per hour.