Coventry-Victor Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Morton and Weaver

Morton and Weaver of 139 Cox Street, Coventry were machine tool manufacturers in 1912

1904 Morton and Weaver was founded as a proprietary engine manufacturer in Hillfields, Coventry

1911 They formed the company Coventry-Victor in 1911.

The company began manufacturing horizontally opposed engines in 1904 and in 1906 one powered the first monoplane, the Weaver Ornithoplane, to fly in Britain. It was designed by W. A. Weaver, one of the partners in the company. Later they supplied engines to many motor cycle and cyclecar makers, especially Grahame-White.

1917-1919 Advertisments for universal and cutter grinding machines as Morton and Weaver

Between 1919 and 1930 Coventry-Victor, using their 688 cc flat twin engine, built motor cycle and sidecar combinations, many of which were used as commercial transport outfits.

By 1926, the company found a new scope of activity; they launched their own design two seater, three-wheeler car with the single wheel at the rear. There were four versions, the Standard, the Sports, the De-luxe and the Parcelcar with prices starting at £75. It used their own horizontal twin cylinder engines of 688 cc at first, later enlarged to 749cc, 850cc and finally 998cc. Drive was to the rear wheel via a two speed gearbox and chain drive. Early cars had a single brake. There was an updating in 1932 with styling by C. F. Beauvais and called the Luxury Sports with three speed gearbox and costing from £110. The previous models remained available. Automobile production continued until 1938.

After World War II, a prototype codenamed Venus was constructed using a flat four 747cc engine but it did not achieve production. The company focused on small diesel engines for the maritime market.

The firm still exists as A. N. Weaver (Coventry Victor) Ltd.

Source: Graces Guide

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