1913 Douglas 2 3/4 hp Two Speed

The Douglas family began to manufacture motorcycles in 1907 from their foundry in Filton near Bristol, and continued to do so until 1957. The unusual fore and aft flat twin engine allowed for a slim design with a low centre of gravity which proved highly successful in competition; Douglas took first, second and third in the 1912 Junior TT race on the Isle of Man, as well as team prize in the 1914 Six Day Trial. This resulted in an order from the Military and some 70,000 bikes were produced during the Great War.

Originally registered in Southampton, CR 5548 has survived in remarkably original condition and even its belt drive seems unchanged. In store with the current owner for very many years, we are told that it was running before being put away; indeed, the vendor confirms that the two-speed transmission worked well and the Douglas was actually relatively quick! It would be nice to think that gentle re-commissioning will produce an otherwise irreplaceable time warp machine.

Copies of original 1914 season sales literature accompanies the motorcycle, together with the V5 registration document; we note the previous owner was a gentleman of the cloth.

PLEASE NOTE: Regarding the year of this motorcycle, the vendor believes that the Douglas does indeed date from 1913 and has always understood that this to be the case. Incidentally, an MOT test certificate from 1987 included in the file states the approximate year as 1914.

Auction Date: 8 September 2016