Rex-Acme

[2] William was described as having entered the motor trade a few years before and as being well known in racing circles, and was an ex-winner of the Catford Hill-Climb (on a bicycle).

In June 1902 they changed their name to the Rex Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. of Osborne Road, Earlsdon, Coventry.

In 1919 Rex Motor Manufacturing Co. merged with Coventry Acme, and by 1921 the two companies were selling Rex-Acme motorcycles.

Wal Handley then raced Rex-Acme motorcycles, making them famous, and even became a company director, but left in 1928 to ride different machinery.

In May 1904 the Rexette arrived in the showrooms, marketed as the "King of Little Cars", it was a 5HP tricar with tandem seating with the driver at the back powered through a single rear wheel.

In 1907 they introduced the Rex Lightweight with a new frame design, the engine was 76mm bore by 80mm stroke (362cc), with automatic inlet valve, and direct belt drive.

Rex made their first telescopic forks in 1906, used rotary-valve engines, and in 1908 were the first to put a downward angle on the top tube, lowering the riding position.

[16] After the First World War, the first bike, a 550 cc sv single, was soon dropped in favour of new Blackburne engined machines.