Triumph Motor Co

There was a proposal after the war to rebuild the frontage of the west side block - which had been badly damaged by bombs - with new shops but it was rejected by the council.

After the bombing they re-located to Warwick at the Cape in what was nicknamed the 'Tin Tabernacle' while the Meriden plant was being built and opened in 1942 to continue to make war dept motorcycles, but I was wondering was how many new factories were built during war time in/around Coventry, obviously there was a demand for the motorcycles otherwise they would not have built the Meriden plant but in a time of shortages it seems quite a big thing to undertake.

This is a story of Tilly who was created in Coventry in 1933, taken away from Coventry then left to die, until a kind man recused her.

I am researching the history of the original Triumph Motor Company and seek more information and photos of the various factories used by the company in Coventry. The first premises were those of the Dawson company in Clay Lane & Briton Road at Stoke and no photos are known of these. I believe Cross & Ellis were also near neighbours. Priory Street were the main area for the cycle and later motor cycle production and they occupied both sides of the street. Some photos are shown of both factories but I expect these were both heavily damaged during the blitz of 1940. The Gloria works at Holbrook Lane Foleshill and no photos appear to exist of these works. Any information would be appreciated

Hi Windrush, sounds as if you could do with signing into 'Britain From Above', they now cover most of Coventry and have good clear images of Holbrook Lane and there are new tags for the 'Munition Cottages' which I found interesting

I think this was originally a Triumph factory - B O Morris, Clay Lane

I would recommend that you obtain a copy of 'Coventry's Motorcar Heritage' (by Damien Kimberley, 2012) - this will give you more information. As mentioned elsewhere on this forum (with photos), there were also works in Much Park Street that were later used by Lea-Francis.

Thank you Dutchman. I do have this photo but cannot decide just how much of these two Priory Street factories were taken over by Sangster's Ariel concern in 1936 or how much of the complex was lost in the bombing raids in 1940. Triumph's car production transferred to Holbrook Lane for a period before the sell-out to Thomas Ward in 1939 and reverted to Clay Lane until 1940. Photos of both Clay Lane and Foleshill works appear elusive!

Thank you jvb. I will find the book and hope it contains some extra information.

Thanks Adrian. Who were B.O. Morris ? Do you happen to know how much damage was caused in the area of Clay Lane during the blitz ? Does anyone know if the coachbuilders Cross & Ellis were also in Clay Lane ? Problem is, not many people who were around in those days are with us now.

BO Morris were manufacturers of polishing equipment here is an image of one of their machines.

For anyone interested, 'Britain From Above' has some clear images of the factory and area

Thanks herberts lad, there is some more info on Morrisflex here also

For anyone interested in pre-1940 Triumph cars (Gloria, Dolomite, etc.) the Pre-1940 Triumph Motor Club will be holding their annual rally at Broughton Castle, near Banbury, this coming weekend (15/16 June) - see website

This is actually the 1934 Monte Carlo class winning car (3rd overall): It was driven by Donald Healey, who had survived the previous rally when his Triumph was demolished by a train he was trying to beat to a level crossing!