Motor Works Radford Fields Estate Coventry

At the Radford Fields Estate, Coventry, a motorcar factory is about to be erected at an estimated cost of £10,000, from plans by Messrs Harrison and Hattrell, of Coventry. [Building News 31 March 1899 Page 460]

One of the most important features in the development of the Radford-fields estate is the projected erection of new and extensive motor works in connection with the motor car manufacturing company which has recently been promoted, and financed principally by Coventry gentlemen. The plans for the new factory have been prepared, and passed by the city authorities, and a number of local builders have been invited to tender for the work. The factory will be a very large one, and will be planned and equipped upon the most approved and modern methods. It is contemplated that the capital cost of the building will approach £10,000. The matter is at present in the hands of Messrs. Harrison and Hattrell, architects and surveyors, of Coventry.  [Coventry Herald 24 March 1899 page 8]

In the summer of 1900 car production was moved to the new works in at Foleshill Road, Bishopgate Green, cycle production being continued at the existing works at 412- 420 Stoney Stanton Road.  The firm went into liquidation in 1903, the Stoney Stanton Road Works being taken over by Humber and Bishopgate Green Works by the Standard Motor Company.

Reference    Building News 31 March 1899 Page 460
Reference    Coventry Herald 24 March 1899 page 8

Progress Cycle Company of Coventry was established in 1897 by Enoch John West and William Harris. This company was one of several who purchased some of the first Minerva engines to come to England from Belgium. These were fitted to hang from the downtube of an existing heavy-duty bicycle. They progressed to a tricycle and a quadricycle that were either complete or conversion kits, and other engines followed.

The first Progress car was unveiled in 1899, a 2.5 hp, air-cooled, vis-à-vis style Voiturette for two people. This was soon superseded by 3.5 and 4.5 hp, water-cooled models, seating three adults and retailing at £200. During 1901, however, the public had begun to demand cars ‘with all seats facing forward’ and the Company was forced to begin developing front-engined models in time for the National Cycle and Motor Show held at Crystal Palace in November of that year. By 1903 they had produced seventeen models with different combinations of engine size and body styles, ranging in price from £210 to £365.  They were generally well received, and sold well.