Anzani

Anzani was an engine manufacturer started by an Italian man named Alessandro Anzani, who lived from 1877 to 1956. The company made engines for many different kinds of vehicles, including aircraft, cars, boats, and motorcycles.

The factories where these engines were built were located in three countries: Britain, France, and Italy. This meant that Anzani engines could be used all over the world, helping to power many important machines during their time.

Overview

Alessandro Anzani started his journey in Italy before moving to France, where he got involved in cycle racing. He then expanded to motorcycles, designing and building a lightweight engine that broke 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 make it move.

Aircraft engines

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

New factories

As demand for Anzani engines grew, the original workshop in Paris was replaced by a new factory in Courbevoie, Paris. Additional factories were opened in London and Monza, Italy, with licensed production also happening by other manufacturers.

Motor racing

In 1920, Anzani started making engines for motor racing. They built a small car with a 750 cc two-cylinder engine that won several competitions. They also made a 1098 cc cyclecar from 1923 to 1924, which was used in the T.B. Sports cyclecar.

Sale of factories

In 1927, on his 50th birthday, Anzani chose to sell his factories in Paris and London. He kept only the factory in Monza because it meant a lot to him, and he had Natale Baccanti manage it.

British Anzani

In the UK, British Anzani worked with Coventry Ordnance Works Ltd to make their engines. During the 1920s, the company changed its name a few times and focused on making small engines for cars and motorcycles. They provided engines for several car companies like AC Cars, Frazer-Nash, Morgan Motor Company, and Berkeley Cars. Some of their most famous 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' that helped people move things without needing someone to drive it. Later, they made a four-wheeled version. The company eventually stopped operating in 1980. In 2003, the British Anzani name was used again, and by 2006, the company started making parts for classic cars and planned to return to making engines for cars, boats, and other vehicles.