1919 Douglas 2¾hp
Registration no. SV 7373
Frame no. 42066
Engine no. 40805
The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry took up motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed, twin-cylinder engine. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity. Douglas were quick to realise the advantages of the countershaft gearbox and its three-speed entries gained the Team Prize in the 1914 Six Days Trial, a conspicuous success that resulted in the firm obtaining a wartime contract for the supply of military machines. By the time hostilities ceased, Douglas had supplied 25,000 motorcycles to British, Belgian and Australian forces in France. Despite the war having ended in November 1919, production for the military continued until January 1919, and leftover Army contract and ex-War Department machines were the only ones on offer to civilian customers initially; in any case, no need was seen for major changes to the design.

Stamped 'WD 1919', this 2¾hp Douglas is one of the aforementioned former military models. According to our vendor, this machine was treated to a meticulous full restoration by a Douglas enthusiast and engineer, who used it sparingly before selling it to the vendor. Ridden regularly around country lanes, bowling along at a nippy 45mph, the Douglas is said to be an easy starter, very reliable and with a gearbox that works very well. It last ran in February 2024. Offered with old/current V5C documents and a copy of The Book of the Douglas.
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.