The company was started by Noel Macklin who was looking for a new car making venture after he sold his Invicta company in 1933. The name came from Reid Railton, the world speed record car designer, but his input was probably small although he did receive a royalty on each car sold. A smaller six-cylinder car, the Railton 16.9 was added in 1937 using a 2723 cc Hudson 6 cylinder engine and chassis, but only 81 were made in saloon or drophead coupé form and priced at £399.