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LOT 173

1929 Douglas 350cc Model D28 Combination Frame no. YK2139 Engine no. EQ2115

Sold for US$6,500 inc. premium
Lot 173

1929 Douglas 350cc Model D28 Combination
Frame no. YK2139 Engine no. EQ2115

1929 Douglas 350cc Model D28 Combination
Frame no. YK2139
Engine no. EQ2115

Bristol-based Douglas commenced motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally opposed twin. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low center of gravity, virtues that were soon demonstrated in competition, Douglas machines taking 1st, 2nd and 4th places in the 1912 Isle of Man Junior TT. When speedway racing arrived in Britain in 1928, the new sport quickly caught the public's imagination and before long almost all major UK manufacturers listed a dirt-track model, Douglas being the first marque to establish dominance with its 500cc DT5 and 600cc DT6 overhead-valve models. Nevertheless, away from the speedway tracks, the DT in its less specialized 'SW' form proved a most competitive mount.

This lovely old 350cc 'to and fro' sidevalve twin Douglas outfit is, of course, a million miles from any dirt track racing. It's in need of strong recommissioning if not full-out restoration. Very little is known of its past – there is no speedometer/odometer installed so we have neither indicator of the extent of its use nor how fast it might go – and its surface and internal condition is not visible under years of grime. But it does have huge charm with its tank shifter, rigid rear end, girder fork and painted rims. And then there is the single-seat 'adult' sidecar – believed to be a Swallow - with vertical, give or take a degree, windshield and absence of any top fixing – it, too, ably reflects back to a long-lost era when riding to a summer picnic in a motorcycle-with-sidecar, or through Corfu to the beach in a Durrellesque flurry, 'didn't get any better than that.'

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is YF2139. Please note, the engine is believed to be larger than 350cc, and the title will be in transit.

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