The Rochdale Motor Panels and Engineering Co of Yorkshire was founded in 1948, and its first road car project was a basic fibreglass shell in 1952. During the 1950's, several models were offered - the Type C, Type F, Mk VI and ST. The most successful model was the GT coupe, which was intended for a Ford chassis. The most significant Rochdale was the Olympic (pictured). The Olympic was only the second all-fibreglass monocoque built (after the Lotus Elite). The Olympic was well-engineered and smart, with one major motoring magazine calling it the 'British Porsche'. Early examples used Riley 1.5 litre or Ford side-valve engines. The 1962 Phase II had a hatchback body, a choice of Ford Anglia, Cortina GT or MGB engines, disc front-brakes and Triumph Spitfire front suspension. Kits were made until 1968, although bodyshells were made to special order until 1977.