This firm built its own engines, some of which were water-cooled and which hung from the downtube of their motorcycles and sidecar. To help with engine cooling, the latter was fitted with air scoops. Using belt drive and braced forks, it was a typically primitive design.
Whitley engines were sold to Mills and Fullford for use in the Milford motorcycles they produced in 1903-1904.
Reports from the 1903 Stanley Show:
Coventry Evening Telegraph - Thursday 12 November 1903
The Whitley Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd.,
will have an excellent show of their various specialities in motor cycles, engines, and accessories, amongst which will be the following: 2¾ h.p., 3¼ h.p., 4 h.p. air-cooled, and 4 h.p. and 5 h.p. water-cooled motor cycle engines (as illustrated), with all latest improvements in bearings, valves, exhaust, contact-breaker, pulley, cooling, gears, etc., being suitable for cycles, tricycles, tri-cars, and forecarriages. A new contact-breaker on the spring wipe principle, always certain in contact, fitted on a fibre back with an aluminium cover, which is claimed to be perfectly free from short circuits; a silencer, for which it is claimed that, while being a real silencer, it does not reduce the power of the engine when in use; a convertible forecar, which can be fitted with any of the above engines, and having their special air-scoops and two front brakes worked by one lever.The Motor Cycle, November 18th, 1903. Page 799
Stanley Show 1903
The Whitley motor bicycle and forecarrage, fifted with air scoops for air-cooling the engine.
An end view of the forecarriage, showing the scoops at the sides.
ON this page we are able to illustrate and describe a system of air-cooling for motor bicycles and forecarriages which, we think, will be likely to become more extensively used in the near future. We have illustrated the complete machine from two different points, as we are anxious that our readers shall exactly understand the method in which these air-scoops are fitted. The combination first attracted our attention as it was climbing a stiff hill near Coventry, without "the slightest sign of flagging, and on interrogating Mr. Hubbard, of the Whitley Motor Co., he assured us that the draught induced by the scoops was very considerable and kept the motor perfectly cool. The scoops, or what- ever term may be applied to them, are made from sheet iron, enamelled and grained, and are attached by clips to the springs of the forecarriage at one end, and to the frame at the other. The springs at the point where the attachment is fastened do not move sufficiently to affect the scoop.
We have tried machines fitted with funnels and tubes to concentrate air on the engine, and they have in our case proved a distinct failure.
The arrangement illustrated is quite another matter, and we have already proved that a strong current of air impinges on. the cylinder, keeping the motor cool for hill-climbing. We understand the Whitley Motor Co., of Coventry, are prepared to fit these scoops to any make of machine.
The Motor Cycle, July 8th 1903
The Whitley Manufacturing Co built and marketed sidecars from 1920 to 1929. Their catalogue for 1925 listed 9 different models, and their address was London Road, Coventry.
Sports, Trade, and Touring Sidecars.
Whitley Mfg. Co., Ltd., Charterhouse Mills, London Road, Coventry.
Like the majority of sidecar manufacturers, the Whitley Mfg. Co. has this year specialised in a light sporting design, and offer for £15 10s. a model that is extremely good value. At this price four-point attachment and a sensible storm apron are provided. Alternatively, a touring body of the same pattern is offered at the same price. Another introduction is the tradesman's model, a sensibly-sized carrier, stoutly constructed, and not so unwieldy as are many. Judging by the numbers of trade carriers shown, it would seem that an increasing interest is being taken by tradesmen in this form of delivery vehicle. The interest will increase providing manufacturers do not build the bodies too large, thus tempting users to carry more weight than is justified on a sidecar chassis.
A Whitley production of clean and straightforward design is known as Model 12. This sidecar is marked by its fine finished and roominess, and is priced at £24 10s.
A detail of interest on Model 20 is the registered design of the wheel bracket, which permits the spindle to be withdrawn and at the same time provides for the main and under tubes, mudguard stay, and wheel stand all in one casting.
Olympia Show 1922, The Motor Cycle November 30th 1922, page 867
Sources: Graces Guide, company literature, The Motor Cycle, et al.
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