Cecil Wood (engineer)

Cecil Walkden Wood (28 March 1874 – 1965) was a New Zealand engineer from Timaru who made New Zealand's first motorcycle in 1901 and second known indigenous car in 1902. He also provided an engine to Richard Pearse for his airplane.

Wood was born in Timaru on 28 March 1874, the son of Charles Walkden Wood. Educated in Lyttelton. He married Edith Susan Harris in September 1899 and they had one son. He first worked as a mechanical engineer at Lyttelton, and then became involved in the cycle trade in Christchurch.

Wood posing on his three-wheeled motor vehicle

In 1894 he started his Timaru business, C W Wood and Co. It was the first cycle shop in Timaru. Wood opened his Tourist Cycle Factory in Timaru in 1896. Wood's was noted in 1897 being interested in motor vehicles, but there was no early reference to him constructing any engines or vehicles at that time. The local papers mentioned several bicycles he constructed including a tandem, but none were motorised. The first press report of any of Woods machines was in May 1900. It was a chainless bicycle owned by a Raymond of Timaru. The bicycle was made at the Tourist Workshop.

In July 1900 the Tourist Cycle Factory moved to a new premises. Possibly the same workshop in front of which Wood's was later photographed on his motor tricycle. By 1903 Wood was manufacturing motor cars, two of which were running about the streets of Timaru. The coachwork for his second and third vehicles was by wheelwright and coach builder John James Grandi, a partner in Tourist Cycle Factory. By September 1903 Woods was bankrupt.

Wood is credited with making New Zealand's first indigenous motor car in some publications on 22 November 1897, but current evidence has Frederick Dennison making the first car in June 1900. Wood's first confirmed motor vehicle, a three-wheeler, was built between 1900 when Dennison saw it under construction and 4 June 1901 when it was reported running. There is a question as to whether the June date is correct because the first Wood constructed three wheeler was only reported in the Timaru paper in December 1902 and the first known Wood engine was shown to the public on 29 July 1901. Wood stated in July 1901 that he intended to connect a new motor to a bicycle at some date in the future.

An Ashburton newspaper published an article in November 1901 stated that C T Jessop and Co of Temuka had made New Zealand's first motor-cycle, which could be correct. Wood is known to have completed constructed a motor-cycle shortly afterwards in December 1901. The engine on this first machine was constructed by Wood, but later machines used imported Minerva engines.

In 1904 Wood became manager of Scott's cycle store in Stafford Street, Timaru. By 1905 he was selling Scott steam cars as well as bicycles.

Wood was foundation member First Association of Motor Cars in South Canterbury 1903, President Motor Trade Association of New Zealand in the 1920s, President South Canterbury Employers Association, Past President Timaru Bowling Club, Past President North End Golf Club, and a Freemason belonging to Lodge St John English Constitution.

Wood died in 1965 aged 91.