Coventry-Victor (United Kingdom)

Coventry Victor Motor Co. Ltd. was an English automobile manufacturer based in Coventry, established in 1926. The company traced its origins back to 1904 when it was initially founded as Morton & Weaver. The name was changed to Coventry Victor in 1911, reflecting its focus on automotive and aeronautical engineering.

In its early years, Coventry Victor specialized in producing horizontally-opposed engines, which were utilized in various applications, including motorcycles and aircraft. Notably, one of their engines powered the Weaver Ornithoplane, recognized as the first monoplane to fly in Britain in 1906. The company supplied engines to several motorcycle manufacturers and foreign car builders, with Grahame-White being its most significant British customer.

The company ventured into motorcycle production, launching a model in 1919 that featured a 688cc flat-twin engine. This engine was later adapted for a prototype light car, although it never reached production. In 1926, Coventry Victor introduced a three-wheeler powered by the same flat-twin engine, which featured a two-speed gearbox and chain drive. Most of these vehicles were produced as open two-seaters, with a coupe variant added in 1929.

In 1932, the three-wheeler was redesigned by C.F. Beauvais and marketed as the Luxury Sports model, which included aesthetic enhancements such as a two-tone paint scheme and a more streamlined body. The engine was enlarged to 749cc, while a more basic version with the original engine remained available at a lower price. Production of the three-wheeler continued until 1938, with later models offering larger engine options of 850cc or 998cc.

After World War II, Coventry Victor contemplated re-entering the car market with a small saloon, codenamed Venus, which was to be powered by a 747cc flat-four engine. However, only prototypes were developed. The company continued to manufacture horizontally-opposed engines and diesel engines from the 1950s, which found applications in various sectors, including marine and auxiliary power. The founder, W.A. Weaver, led the company until his death in 1970, after which it was reorganized by his son as A.N. Weaver (Coventry Victor) Ltd.