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to the Archive index“Three Spires” was a trade mark used by Coventry Bicycles Ltd, of Priory Street, Coventry. The name, and the design of the badge, came from the three spires that dominated Coventry’s skyline until the bombing of the city during World War II. The autocycle produced under the Three Spires marque was called the “Petro-Cycle”. This machine, announced in 1939 followed the usual layout of autocycles, being designed around the Villiers Junior power unit. The front fork was unsprung and was distinguished by extra braces running from the spindle to the top of the steering head - following the pattern often found on tradesmen’s bicycles. A round toolbox fitted into the rear bend of the carrier. Equipped with a rear stand, Villiers lighting, rear stand and engine covers it was priced at 18gns [£18.90]. A back-pedalling brake was offered as an optional fitting. The colour scheme was a black frame lined in gold with a silver tank and engine covers with blue panels.
Although a prototype model was certainly produced, it seems quite likely that the prototype was the only one ever made.
This is the final part of our survey of the British autocycle. The other parts in the series are listed below:
First published - October 1999