Shadow Factory

Cutting the first sod of ground on the company golf course. Dated 1936.

John Black can be seen with the spade and members of Garlick’s, the Coventry building firm, can be seen in the photo (assuming on the right).
On the second left looks like Leslie Dexter (1897-1937) and 4th from left, Sales Manager (from 1931) and Sales Director (from 1945) Edward (Ted) Martin.

Garlicks – the oldest building contractor in Coventry, which started in 1834. Responsible for many of Coventry’s iconic buildings including those for Standard Triumph and here for the Banner Lane shadow factory, later to become Massey Fergusson.

Links:
R.B Cole General Manager of the Standard shadow factories
Banner Lane – Massey Ferguson

Sir John Black’s Car Accident

November 3rd, 1953 at Banner Lane. Sir John Black and Ken Richardson were testing the Swallow Doretti Prototype (Registration 623E). Suddenly a Works van, came out of a turning unexpectedly. Ken swerved the car to avoid killing them both in a headlong collision. Continue reading “Sir John Black’s Car Accident”

Donald Healey

Born 3rd July 1898, died 13th January 1988. Works rally driver, Experimental Manager 1934-1939, and General Manager 1940 under Thos Ward’s ownership. Responsible for the Triumph Southern Cross and straight-eight Triumph Dolomite. Famed “Healey” car marque. Joined Triumph in 1933. Continue reading “Donald Healey”