Swift

Swift bicycle from the first decade of 20th century

The Coventry Sewing Machine Company was founded in 1863 (according to other sources, 1859) by James Starley and Josiah Turner in King Street, Cheylesmore, Coventry. In 1869 they started making bicycles and changed the comany's name to Coventry Machinists.

"The cycle trade in Coventry grew out of the Coventry Sewing Machine Company, founded in 1863, which was finding it difficult to expand and decided to diversify. In 1868, their Paris agent obtained an order for 400 velocipedes to be exported to France, but the Franco-Prussian War forced the company to build up a home market instead; the name was changed to Coventry Machinists’ Company in 1869. At this time James Starley was foreman of the company and was instrumental in helping to bring about several improvements to the basic velocipede; however, in 1870 he left to set up in business with William Hillman. The first important bicycle they produced was the Ariel, an attempt at making a lightweight all metal machine...." from oldbike.worpress.com

In 1896 Coventry Machinists became the Swift Cycle Company. For a time the Swift company was the second biggest cycle manufacturer in Great Britain. They were known for high quality, modern bikes, as well as for well-designed ladies' bicycles. When Sturmey-Archer 3-speed hubs became available, Swift adopted this innovation immediately.

In 1898 the company launched motorcycle manufacturing, and their first car was built in 1900. For the purposes of this activity a new factory was opened in Quinton Road, Mile Lane, Coventry. In 1902 a separate company was formed for motor vehicle production and registered as the Swift Motor Company. After WW1 the car company was merged with the cycle company again. Their new name was Swift of Coventry. In 1919 Harper Bean, who also made Bean Cars, bought 50% of Swift's ordinary shares. He got into severe financial difficulties later that year, seriously affecting the company's finances. In spite of this Swift of Coventry was still producing elegant bicycles and quality cars. In 1924 the price of a standard Swift bicycle was £7 10 shillings.

"In 1929, the Great Depression virtually put them out of business. And they were finished off by competition from mass-produced vehicles that were much cheaper than Swift’s hand-built models..." from musicbicycles.blogspot.com

The bicycle factory in Cheylesmore was closed in 1931.