Rex-Acme Motorcycles
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Acme Motorcycles

Acme-1920-8hp-Combination-TMC.jpg
Acme 8hp Combination, 1920

Acme-1921-Hackney-Taxis-01.jpg
Acme Taxi Glasgow 1921

A Brief History of the Marque

From its inception in 1902 until 1922, Acme (also referred to as Coventry-Acme) built machines using Minerva and Automoto engines. After 1918 they used JAP units and their own sidevalve 348cc singles and 997cc V twins before amalgamating with Rex in Coventry to become Rex-Acme.

Acme Motor Co.

A light-weight motor bicycle, fitted with 2 h.p. Minerva engine and fittings, is the principal feature on the stand of the Acme Motor Co. (No. 68). The machine is very neat in appearance, and exceedingly well finished. Other types are fitted with 2¾ h.p. Auto-motor engines and 3 h.p. Acme engines. One machine, designed for use with trailers, is provided with a 4½ h.p. Auto-motor engine. The control of the motor is by means of Bowden wires and twisting handles. (Stand 68.)

The Motor Cycle November 25th, 1903. Page 844
National Motor & Cycle Show 1903

There were two Acme marques built in Australia, one prior to the first war and the other subsequent to the second.
Acme (AU) Acme of Coventry built motorcycles from 1902 to 1922.

  • 1902 Acme began production from their location in Coventry. The first machines had Minerva engines followed by the 2.75hp Auto-motor. They then built a 3hp Acme model themselves. A 4.5hp Auto-motor was also listed for trailer use.

    1904 Acme were making the Auto-motor engine themselves.

    1908 Two Acme machines were entered in the Island TT, but both retired. They did not enter the TT again.

    In 1917 the Coventry Acme Motor Co., believed to be the same firm, built workshop drilling machines under contract to Herbert's, who built turret lathes and the like. (1) Another sources states that Acme changed it's name to In 1920 the company changed its name to Coventry Acme in 1920, before merging with Rex to become Rex-Acme. (2)

    1918 They used JAP units and their own side-valve 348cc singles and 997cc V-twins.

    1920 A model was manufactured using a 976cc V-twin engine. The three-speed gearbox was chain driven.

    1921 A 2.75hp single joined the twin. It had two speeds and a chain-and-belt drive. The two machines were very similar to those produced at the Rex factory at nearby Earlsdon.

    1922 The two companies amalgamated to form Rex-Acme.

Sources:
Graces Guide
(1) Industrial Clusters and Regional Business Networks in England, 1750-1970 ~ Wilson & Popp
(2) http://wiki.transport-museum.com
"...the Coventry Acme Motor Company Limited, to give it its full name..." ~ Yesterdays.

Tue Mar 18 2008
janet.charman at btinternet dot com
acme v twin jap 1000cc years 1920 to 1921
acme 1000cc v twin
require exhaust system a measure up and a physical look on a reciprocal basis if required will travel
boston lincolnshire

Rex-Acme
Rex-Acme