Coventry Climax

I joined Coventry Climax Engines Ltd. - Fork Lift Truck Division - in November, 1967, at the Kingfield Road office. I left there in April, 1970, to work for Rolls-Royce at Ansty. I am writing a memoir of my time at the Climax and would appreciate hearing from anyone who could help me with names, photos and their own memories at that time. Thanks in advance. Barry Page Goderich, Ontario, Canada

I was there in 73-4. I think I still have a pristine fork lift instruction panel in Afrikaans. When I was there, the Chief Electrical Engineer was David Tedd, the Chief Mechanical Engineer was named Eric Rose as I remember - he wandered around singing "Aunty Mary had a canary..." at the top of his voice (he later went to Jaguar); he always wore a bright yellow waistcoat. I think, but may be wrong, the Eng Director was named Eric Knights, and his brother Bill was a senior figure in the DO. The Eng Director broke his wrist trying to swing a Climax engine in a friend's yacht, and it kicked back viciously, and laid him out. In the electrical design pen, as well as I, there was a guy named Mike Smith and another whose name I've forgotten, another Dave, but may recall later.

Barry, I know of a Frank Court who worked in the experimental department, I'll have to check which years though. Martin.

Gentlemen: Many thanks for your responses, names and memories. Frank Court is a familiar name. My principal contacts at the DO were John Dewsbury and Arthur Strawbridge. On the track at Widd Road was "Bed'th" Bill and Les Harris, and in the shop at Kingfield Road was Ray, Pete, Jim Rankin and Cyril Marden. Look forward to receiving any more information and/or photos. Much appreciated. Barry

Hi all, I have a JAMES BERESFORD & SON BIRMINGHAM Trailer No B656 with a Coventry Climax motor and a Water pump No FWP 851232 on. Any information on would be appreciated. Thanks Bob

Hello Aussie bob & welcome to our Coventry Historical forum.

Hi, try this link Are you the Orroroo not far from Coomooroo?

I have the Coventry Climax Godiva FF500 GPM Trailer Fire Fighter handbook pdf files on CD. If you want a copy, send me your contact details and I will post you a copy. I could send it via email,as i have now converted it to jpeg. regards Adrian.

That would be appreciated. My address is PO Box 97 ORROROO South Australia AUSTRALIA 5431 Many thanks Bob

Hi Bob, It will be posted first thing in the morning. Hope you enjoy.

I too have a Coventry Climax FW pump and am looking any documents that apply to it. This one is ex Mil and serial number FWP3529. In Northern Ireland.

I knew this existed though I've yet to re-discover the image of Colin driving a forklift but heres a very brief (and small!) bit of footage of the both late and great Jim Clark and Colin Chapman at the Climax works in 1964: Coventry Climax footage

Engine also used on a Hovercraft

I have a Godiva Generator from the fifties and wondered if there was club or the like for owners of these.