1968 DMW 247cc Deemster Ex-Police

Registration no. MDF 48F Frame no. not visible Engine no. SE957

DMW, which stands for Dawson Motor Works, was established by Leslie Dawson just before the war, and soon after it began production of motorcycles, initially with competition machines, before turning to manufacturing road bikes utilising Villiers two-stroke engines of varying sizes. Capacities ranged from 98 to 324cc and included off-road competition and road racing variants. In 1961 the Deemster model appeared with a Villiers 250cc twin engine, the Deluxe version of which had 12-volt electrics and an electric starter. Both models had enclosing bodywork around the rear, and also the front mudguard. The model continued in the range until, when Villiers engines were no longer obtainable, in 1966 the company started to source two-stroke flat twin engines from the Velocette company which had been used in the Viceroy scooter. A small number of these machines were sold to several constabularies, presumably to be considered as replacements for the long-established Velocette LE. This rare survivor, featuring the flat twin engine with 12-volt electric start, was one of two owned by the Gloucestershire Constabulary, as confirmed by a letter from them in the document file. 'MDF 48F' was acquired by the present owner in the recent past but, not having been used by him, is now surplus to requirements, as space is required for other machines. It has been started at regular intervals by the vendor, but not used on the road, and should only need basic safety checks and light re-commissioning before returning to the road.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, two old MoT certificates, and the aforementioned letter from Gloucestershire Constabulary.