• Johnson, Hurley & Martin Ltd

Johnson, Hurley & Martin Ltd, of Alpha Motor works, Gosford Street, Coventry, was established in 1903 by George Johnson, Daniel Henry Hurley and James Richard Martin, who had formed a partnership in around 1901. Hurley had formerly been a partner in the car engine manufacturer Forman Motor Manufacturing Co of Coventry. The firm made engines and motor cars and later motor cycles. Johnson, Hurley and Martin were also partners, with Albert Edward Smith, in Aero & Marine Engine Co (later Coventry Aero & Marine Engine Co), Coventry. This partnership was dissolved in late 1911, although the business continued under Hurley and Martin until 1927 making seaplanes and chassis parts. Until around 1909 the company produced ‘Alpha’ motor car engines for Calthorpe Motor Co, Birmingham, and others motor manufacturers. In addition, the firm built the engines for the Weaver Ornithoplane, the first monoplane to fly in Britain, for Morton & Weaver (est. 1904) of Cox Street, Coventry. The Alpha engine was also used by the Arden Car Co, of Balsall Common, near Coventry.  Motor car production ended in 1914. Johnson, Hurley & Martin Ltd continued engine production, for motor car, farm and industrial use, until around 1927. The Alpha Motor works’ contents were sold off by the receiver in early 1928.