The Sky Blues' maiden European voyage was the 1970–71 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, which they took part in with fellow English clubs Newcastle United, Arsenal, Liverpool and eventual winners Leeds United.
However, a 6–1 defeat at Grünwalder Stadion meant that a 2–1 win for Coventry in the second leg was not enough, and they were duly eliminated.
After a 1–1 draw at home, Coventry were roundly beaten 5–1 at St James' Park and exited the competition.
Motherwell were again the first round opposition as Coventry embarked upon their third Texaco Cup tournament, and again the Lanarkshire club would frustrate them as wins home and away saw 'Well progress.
English clubs were banned from taking part in European competition in the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985.