Anzani

Anzani was an engine maker started by an Italian man named Alessandro Anzani. He lived from 1877 to 1956. The company made engines for many kinds of vehicles. These included aircraft, cars, boats, and motorcycles.

The factories where the engines were built were in three countries: Britain, France, and Italy. Because of this, Anzani engines were used all over the world. They helped power many important machines during that time.

Overview

Alessandro Anzani began in Italy and then moved to France. There, he got involved in cycle racing. He later worked with motorcycles, designing and building a lightweight engine that set records. In 1907, he opened a small workshop in Paris with just three people. During this time, he also designed a special boat with a hydrofoil, using one of his engines and propellers to help it move.

Aircraft engines

Alessandro Anzani built engines that worked well for airplanes. One of his early engines helped Louis Blériot fly across the English Channel in 1909, which was a big achievement.

New factories

As more people wanted Anzani engines, the old workshop in Paris was replaced by a new factory in Courbevoie, Paris. More factories were opened in London and Monza, Italy. Other companies also made the engines with permission.

Motor racing

In 1920, Anzani began making engines for motor racing. They created a small car with a 750 cc two-cylinder engine that won many races. They also built a 1098 cc cyclecar from 1923 to 1924. This cyclecar was used in the T.B. Sports cyclecar.

Sale of factories

In 1927, Anzani sold his factories in Paris and London on his 50th birthday. He kept the factory in Monza because it was important to him and asked Natale Baccanti to manage it.

British Anzani

In the UK, British Anzani made engines together with Coventry Ordnance Works Ltd. During the 1920s, the company changed its name a few times and made small engines for cars and motorcycles. They made engines for car companies like AC Cars, Frazer-Nash, Morgan Motor Company, and Berkeley Cars. Some of their well-known products were engines for motorcycles, lawnmowers, and small boats.

After World War II, the company made a special two-wheeled engine called the 'Iron Horse' to help people move things without needing someone to drive it. Later, they made a four-wheeled version. The company stopped operating in 1980. In 2003, the British Anzani name was used again, and by 2006, the company began making parts for classic cars and planned to make engines for cars, boats, and other vehicles again.