Established in Victorian times as a bicycle manufacturer, Coventry-Eagle built a diverse range of motorcycles using proprietary engines from 1901 onwards, though machines only began to be produced in significant numbers after Word War One. Coventry Eagle of Foleshill Road, Coventry. The company produced motorcycles between 1899 and 1940.
Formerly known as Hotchkiss, Mayo and Meek at Hill Cross Works, Coventry; when Hotchkiss died and John Meek left the company, it came under the control of Edmund Mayo and Bernard Rotherham and moved to Lincoln Street, named as the Coventry Eagle Cycle Co.
Production began with the building of bicycles and then tricycles assembled from bought-in parts. These cycles were well-built and popular, which accounted for the continued success of the firm.
By 1914, the range included three models. The smallest was lightweight and powered by a 269cc Villiers engine driving a two-speed gearbox by chain and belt final-drive and with Druid forks. It was also available as a single-speed machine The other two models used Abingdon engines as a 3.5hp single and a 5hp to 6hp V-twin, with three speeds and belt final-drive.
This is a 1921 model that should, technically, be a 269cc V-Twin but it has a JAP 350cc engine. This is not unusual, as Coventry-Eagle, like many of its contemporaries, had to deal with engine and material shortages as a hangover from World War One that lasted for over a decade. It’s very common to find a bike with an engine different to that officially specified, and this one has always been logged as a 350cc on DVLA records.BH 5491-21.jpg2.01 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original V5s for all its life
Current UK V5
Historic tax discs
One family for most of its life
Unused from 1982 to 2018
The Coventry-Eagle has been with its current owner for around a decade. He acquired it privately from a collector who used to run a museum in the Isle of Man before returning to Scotland. He sold his collection of bikes in 2013 as he was suffering ill-health, and passed away shortly after.
The vendor acquired a few of his bikes for his own private collection but is now thinning down the assortment to generate space.
Prior to that its history is limited. It was restored when it was part of the museum collection and has been kept in a dry, heated outbuilding ever since. It’s in exhibitable condition but is currently a non-runner as detailed below. BH 5491-145.jpg2.09 MB
THE CONDITION
Older restoration
Mostly complete
Lots of nickel and brass details
Overall, this is a very smart and good looking bike that is a worthy addition to any collection of pre-war motorcycles. The frame, tank, mudguards and saddle are in very good condition and it’s a lovely looking thing, with excellent paint.
The front carbide lighting system on the Coventry Eagle was placed on for the photographs as it is not currently fitted, awaiting repair. It is the correct vintage unit along with brackets and corresponding tail-light and carbide water tank.BH 5491-2.jpg1.91 MB
THE MECHANICS
350cc single
Needs new drive belt and oil feed pipe to run
Was running before being put into storage
Currently, the Coventry-Eagle is a non-runner but it won’t need much to get it working again. It was a runner when the vendor acquired it, but he noticed a kink in the oil feed pipe and removed it to source a replacement, but has not yet done so. It should be easy enough to get one made up. The bike also requires a drive belt.
The engine itself appears to be a JAP 350cc single, as used on similar Monopole bikes which were made in a neighbouring factory and are today very collectable.BH 5491-95.jpg2.02 MB
SUMMARY
This is a great example of one of the rarest surviving bikes from the pre-war era. It’s a fantastic artefact and a great addition to anyone’s collection, having been sympathetically restored to museum standard and kept in controlled conditions ever since.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
