London Taxi Company (was LTI, ex-Carbodies)

Hello! I'm new to this site and it's fascinating to read all the posts, my family is from Coventry so it's great to see all the stories. My grandfather used to work at Carbodies on the Holyhead Road, I'm not sure of the exact dates but think it was the 1940s & 1950s... does anyone have any information on this? Or do you know anyone who worked there? Or did you work there? I know it's a bit of a long shot but it would be so great to find someone who may have known my grandfather, as he unfortunately died before I was born.

As locals will probably already know, the London Taxi factory on Holyhead Road (Manganese Bronze) has filed for administration. Coventry's last car manufacturer? More information see Administration

When discussing the sad demise of industry in Coventry with a good friend of mine, Carbodies was about the only company we could think of that was still manufacturing and seemingly doing okay. Sadly it looks like they will soon be joining GEC, Triumph Motorcycles, Peugeot, Jaguar, Courtaulds, Massey Ferguson, Triumph cars, Alvis and many others.

Hello Winnie, There is a history of the Carbodies Company, called 'Carbodies The Complete Story' published in 1996, the author was Bill Munro. It will tell all about the company but may not mention your grandfather. I am interested in the company during the 1950s as I am writing a book on the Daimler Roadster and New Drophead Coupe built by Carbodies 1953-7. It would be very useful to contact people working there at that time. Best Wishes, Dennis

Hello & welcome to you, Dennis (Salmons).

New factory at Ansty Park

Beesman, hi. Just a small brag. I once knew over 90% of the part numbers on the London taxi-cab, was it Mann and Overton the dealers? Regards, Kaga.

Some "kind soul" has broken open the fire exit door on the footpath at the back of the Holyhead Road works allowing a glimpse inside the now stripped factory. Presumably due to be demolished as I can't see an alternative use for the site. Peter.

Think I saw an approved planning application for a mix of housing; a supermarket (Lidl, I think) and extensions to BMW Dealership.

Just to update this - the site has now been completely cleared ready for the housing estate. A couple of interesting sites here with some sad shots. Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society 28DaysLater

Neil That yard is where they loaded the spare parts for delivery to Mann and Overton, the London parts people that repaired the cabs. The long building on the right was were they did door trimmings, etc. Behind that wall was the stores with all the spare nuts/bolts for such. On the far left and out of sight was where they built the bodywork, mudguards etc. It was a very nice place to work, lovely people, it had a photography club, and other clubs, bosses that were pleasant to talk to. My first factory job for over ten years, so a pleasant start for me to industrial Coventry.

Neil. I take it that is the entrance off the Holyhead Road, and there were buildings either side of the roadway?

Hi Kaga No, that view was from Coundon Road crossing at the rear of the works. As mentioned, it's all gone though now ready for a housing estate to go up between the Mini and BMW dealerships.

My thanks Neil.