1928 Montgomery 680cc 'Twin Five'

Registration no. SV 9481 Frame no. 4391 Engine no. GT/W 75919

• Ultra-rare Vintage-era v-twin
• Professionally restored in the early 2000s
• Banbury Run award winner

"These Montgomery machines are for the men who prefer a distinctive mount in appearance and performance. That extra degree of soundness – those little touches which distinguish the 'super' machine from the mere motor cycle, come naturally to the Montgomery and at a price that is amazingly low." – Montgomery advertisement.

The Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds is a long way from the British motorcycle industry's West Midlands heartland, yet this was where William J Montgomery chose to set up in business as a manufacturer in the early years of the 20th Century, although after WWI he relocated to Coventry. Like many of his contemporaries, including rivals Brough and McEvoy, Montgomery relied heavily on proprietary components, although the frame and forks were manufactured in-house. Indeed, Montgomery supplied frames and its own sprung fork to George Brough in the latter's early days. Montgomery had begun by manufacturing sidecars, and motorcycle combinations continued to be the mainstay of his business for many years.

The company diversified after WWI, extending its line-up to encompass a 147cc two-stroke at the more affordable end of the range while offering a 996cc v-twin at the other. A make that did not re-emerge after WW2, Montgomery is best remembered today for its 8-valve Anzani-engined v-twin: one of the Vintage era's first 'superbikes' and a worthy rival to the Brough Superior SS100.

Powered by J A Prestwich's 680cc sidevalve v-twin engine, the Montgomery Twin Five was a direct competitor for George Brough's 5-15 although much rarer today; indeed, the example offered here may well be the sole survivor. The Montgomery was discovered in derelict condition by a friend of the vendor and was completely rebuilt over a three-year period by a mechanical engineer, with any missing parts remanufactured. The paintwork and brightwork were entrusted to specialists, as was overhauling the magneto. Shortly after the rebuild's completion the Montgomery won a concours award at the 2004 Banbury Run, while its last outing was at Banbury in 2019. It should be noted that, although of correct type, the engine dates from 1930, and we are further advised that the gearbox occasionally jumps out of 2nd gear and needs overhauling. Described as in very good/excellent condition in all other respects, this rare Vintage-era v-twin is offered with a dating letter and V5C document.