LOT 530

1928 Douglas 498cc DT5 Speedway Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. TF782 Engine no. EL172

Sold for £11,500 inc. premium

Lot 530

1928 Douglas 498cc DT5 Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Frame no. TF782 Engine no. EL172

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1928 Douglas 498cc DT5 Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. TF782
Engine no. EL172

Bristol-based Douglas Foundry 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 centre of gravity, and the design's virtues were soon demonstrated in competition. When speedway, or dirt track, racing arrived in Britain in 1928 the new sport quickly caught the public's imagination. Before long almost all major UK manufacturers listed a dirt-track model, Douglas being the first to establish dominance. The company's inline twins had benefited from much development on the Australian long tracks, but as shorter tracks became the norm in the UK, the DT5's otherwise excellent handling could no longer compensate for the handicap of a longish wheelbase, and rival single-cylinder models began to assert themselves.

Listed in the Douglas Machine Register (1993), this example of the dirt-track Douglas was purchased in 1957 from Alec Jackson, Director of Wembley Speedway at that time. A letter on file dated 22/4/89 states it is understood that "the bike was ridden by Dick Case in 1929 and in the early post-war years used for Vintage demonstration runs at Wembley" however prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the authenticity of the history. The late owner rode the Douglas at the Royston hill climb a few times before placing it in storage. Accompanying paperwork consists mainly of bills for parts and services. Not used for some time, the machine will require re-commissioning before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required

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.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-336 & 401-651) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles