The Kingcat 1.5 cc diesel was produced in England between 1977 and 1980 by a company called Kingshire Products. The company gave its address as Clifton in Bedfordshire, but the engines were apparently manufactured in Edmonton, North London. Former Allen-Mercury (A-M) employee Michael Clarke reported that the Edmonton premises in which the A-M and Merco engines were manufactured were later used in the manufacture of the Kingcat range, at least for a time. Certainly, inquiries regarding spares and service were directed to a firm called Bi-Metals Ltd. of Bridge Road in Edmonton.

The Kingcat engines were extremely attractive and well-made units. They featured cross-flow loop scavenging allied to crankshaft front rotary valve (FRV) induction. The diesel version came in two variants - the "Standard" and "Deluxe" models.  The only difference was the inclusion with the Deluxe model of a set of very sporty-looking chromed twin exhaust pipes.  Later a conventional muffler was also made available.

There was also a glow-plug version of the engine called the Glo-Cat. This featured a larger-diameter crankshaft having a larger internal gas passage along with a squared-off induction port. The bypass passage was also enlarged internally.

Although Peter Chinn reviewed the engines in general terms, no actual performance figures were ever released. As a former user, all that I can say on that score is that the engines were easy starters and very steady performers, albeit not remarkable for their power by late 1970's standards.

It seems that the Kingshire Products enterprise was a privately-owned concern having a single owner/manager. The seemingly premature demise of the range in 1980 apparently resulted from the unexpected death of the owner in early 1980. A great pity - this was a quality range. 

A far more complete write-up on the Kingcat 1.5 cc diesel may be found elsewhere on this website.