Coventry Climax

It is sad to report that Coventry Climax Ltd recently passed into the hands of a receiver. Though for the past twenty years the company has been chiefly known for its forklift trucks, it has a special place in motor racing history.

Between 1958 and 1965, Coventry Climax engines achieved 40 Grand Prix wins, four World Championships and dozens of other F1 and F2 victories.   Nineteen of Jim Clark’s 25 GP wins were in Climax-powered cars.

The appearance of the 1100cc FWA engine in 1954 coincided with a crucial stage in the development of a motor racing industry in Britain and with its combination of power, lightness, reliability and relative cheapness, it was the ideal complement to the cars built by, among others, Cooper, Elva, Lotus and Lola.

The company’s contribution to the growth of British motor racing is incalculable and we sincerely hope that it survives its present difficulties.  

Spares for existing racing engines are unaffected and continue to be supplied by Climax Engine Services which is an entirely separate company.