1901 The machines first appeared as primitive but well built.
1904 The silencer was used as the frame downtube between headstock and
crankcase. It had a 348 cc 3hp engine with valves at the front of the cylinder
and braced forks incorporated a rubber buffer to take some of the road
shocks. It also had belt or a two-stage chain-drive. Another model had
an inclined engine, which replaced the downtube as in the Humber
and P and M
design. A forecar was also
offered.
1905 The silencer reverted to being a separate item and was no longer part
of the frame.
1906 The 3hp model continued for that year. Manufacture then stopped for
a few years.
1910 The company returned with standard and TT models, both fitted with
a 3½ hp engine, with valves at the front of the cylinder. The standard
model had a Bosch magneto ahead
of the crankcase and sprung forks, the TT version was rigid with a rear-mounted
magneto. Two ran in the TT, but neither was successful.
1911 That year saw the arrival of a free-engine clutch and a 3½ hp vertical
twin with overhead inlet-valves.
1912 Various models were available from 2hp to 3½ hp and there was also
a ladies' version. Four models continued for the next two years.
1914 The marque disappeared.
Centaur Cycle Co
of West Orchard Works, Coventry
1896/7 Directory: Listed under cycles.
1897 The New Centaur Cycle Co was registered on 27 February, to
take over the business of the Centaur Cycle Co.
1906 In January, the original name was reverted to.
1912 Listed in Spennell's directory of Coventry as Cycle Manufacturers.
National
Motorcycle Museum exhibits:-
1912 Centaur 500cc
Centaur Cycle Company is related.
Sources:
Graces Guide
Fri Jan 02 2015 bernie.0205 at yahoo.co.uk Engine Centaur, Coventry Water Cooled Please can you help? a friend in South Africa was given a Centaur, Coventry single cylinder water cooled engine c early 1900s. he has got it running but has no knowledge of what it was used for. Can you help please. Bernard Dodd Cleethorpes. Cleethorpes
