The "Hillman and Herbert Cycle Company" was founded in 1876, by W.H. Herbert and William Hillman. Hillman and Herbert was a bicycle manufacturer until the turn of the century, when they decided to get into the motorcycle and automobile business.
Bicycle manufacturing in the Coventry area was an offshoot of the sewing-machine manufacturing industry, and the proximity to the "Coventry Sewing Machine Company." The Hillman and Herbert factory was located in Hillfields, a suburb of Coventry, England.
Premier Cycle Company
The Hillman and Herbert Cycle Co. changed its name to the "Premier Cycle Company" in 1892. The Premier Cycle Company began manufacturing motorcycles in 1908.
1913 Premier Cycle - Owner: Pete Young, California - Zoom
In 1912, the Premier Cycle Company began manufacturing 'cyclecars,' small and inexpensive cars that often used one or two-cylinder motorcycle engines.
Premier 500cc Single-Cylinder Motor - Zoom
Coventry Premier Ltd.
The Premier Cycle Company went through yet another name change in 1914, to "Coventry Premier Company." Coventry Premier introduced its three wheeled "Super Runabout" cyclecar in 1917. The Super Runabout featured a 1056cc water-cooled v-twin engine.
Hillman-Coatalen Motor Car Company
William Hillman went on to form the "Hillman-Coatalen Motor Car Company" in 1906. Hillman-Coatalen was the maker of the "Hillman" car.
Premier's Engine Primer Petcock Valve
The Premier Cycle Company (Coventry Premier Ltd.) was sold to Singer & Co. (aka "Singer Bikes and Motor Bikes") in 1920, and the Premier/Coventry name was dropped in 1923.
1913 Premier Cycle
Coventry Premier Cycle Links
The City of Coventry: Industry and Trade History
Made in Coventry: Motorcycle Manufacturers
Hillfields Trades and Industries
Back To: Vintage Motorcycle Photos
