A Brief History of the Marque
Founded by brothers William and Harold Williamson as a car manufacturer in Coventry in 1899. In 1904 they turned to motorcycles building 456cc singles and 726cc twins. Made the first telescopic forks in 1906, and introduced several other innovations including rotary-valve engines and in 1908 were the first to angle the top tube downward to lower the riding position. Company fired the founders in 1911 and under new boss George Hemingway went on to make own engines, as well as producing a series of JAP-powered machines for Premier. Took over Coventry-Acme in 1919 to become Rex-Acme in 1922. The range included 15 models by 1926, from 172cc to 746cc capacity, but as the depression deepened sales decreased. Sidecar manufacturer Mills-Fulford purchased the company in 1932, but dropped motorcycle production the following year and shortly thereafter ceased manufacture of sidecars.
Rex-Acme used engines from Blackburne, JAP, MAG, Villiers, Sturmey-Archer, and Barr & Stroud.
Much of the information above courtesy Ron Skala rskala at televardot com
October 21, 2001
More Rex-Acme History
Rex-Acme produced motorcycles in Coventry, from 1921 to 1933.
The company arose from the amalgamation between Rex and Acme
in 1921.
The depression years. Rex-Acme still offered their full list plus a range of others using Villiers, Blackburne, JAP and Sturmey-Archer engines, as well as a speedway model.
1931 A further range was announced, including one with a Rudge Python engine, but it was never built as production came to an end.
1932 The name had been bought by sidecar manufacturer Mills-Fulford, who launched models using JAP engines.
1933 Two more models were added, with Villiers and JAP engines, but later that year motorcycle production stopped and sidecar manufacture ceased shortly afterwards.
Thu May 14 2009
jiboiajogo at yahoo.com.br
Cutaway drawing
Rex Acme Barr & Stroud 350cc engined
I would like to have a cutaway drawing of the Barr & Stoud motorcycle engine, showing clearly the rotary sleeve valve and its way
of work.
Rio de Janeiro
Mon Dec 29 2008
tkplant at eircom.net
Machine identification
Rex Acme Unknown
Can you please help me to identify the motorcycle in the attached
photo.
Ireland
[Photo was originally titled "Joe Murphy.jpg"]
Wed Nov 07 2007
r.jackson at tauntondeane.gov.uk
Rex Acme
Does anyone know WHERE in Coventry the Rex factory was? I believe it was Osborne Road, but when did it cease to be the Rex base, and what did the factory produce after Rex closed?
Thu Sep 06 2007
p.poole2007 at tiscali.co.uk
rex motorcycle
hi, i have just aquired an old motorcycle of about 1926,i have been
told its either a rex-acme or a rex engine no is H2396, frame no
30888,it has an albion gearbox no ZE560,hope someone can
help,thank you.
newcastle,england
Image is in the Rex-Acme gallery. Ed.
Mon Aug 27 2007
p.poole2007 at tiscali.co.uk
rex-acme
minor 170cc
hello,have you any literature on the rex-acme minor 170cc,photos
and technical info as well.thank you.
newcastle,england
Sat May 05 2007
anthony.groves at tesco.net
1928 Rex Acme
I have one, how much is it worth?
London
See the page on Vintage Motorcycle Prices
Fri Oct 21 2005
sezammy at hotmaildot com
Rex Acme
Or is it an Ackland of Southampton? My info, and I suspect it is
wrong, is that Ackland were acquired by Rex-Acme [?Rex & not
Rex-Acme] and info that Ackland existed from 1914-1924 is quite
wrong in which case where did Tragatsch get his info. Any
thoughts? Bruce
Main-Smith
July 11, 2000
I am currently the owner of a Rex Acme , and am in the process of restoring it. Can any one give any info of the 147 2t Rex Acme with a v10c engine, or any info on the history of
Rex Acme. -- Thanks -- RobBowden1 at aoldot com
If you have a query or information about Rex-Acme motorcycles please contact us