1931 Montgomery-JAP 490cc Greyhound TT Model

Registration no. JO 2449 Frame no. 4063 (see text) Engine no. KO/Y23699/S/F

• Rare model from a relatively obscure make
• Restored in the 2000s
• Not started since restoration

"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.

Bury St Edmunds-based Montgomery diversified after WWI, extending its line-up to encompass a 147cc two-stroke at the more affordable end of the range while offering a mighty 996cc v-twin at the other.

In 1931 Montgomery expanded its line-up with the introduction of the Greyhound range, these being sports versions of existing models in varying engine capacities. The sporting Greyhounds continued to be part of the range until production of Montgomery motorcycles ceased with the outbreak of WW2. Today Montgomery is best remembered 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.

One of the rarer TT Models, this matching-numbers Montgomery Greyhound had already been restored when it was purchased by the vendor in 2018 (during the restoration the handlebars, tank, exhaust pipes and mudguards had been replaced using the original unusable parts as patterns). Since acquisition the machine has been kept a heated garage with various other cars and motorcycles but has not been started. Among accompanying documents is a letter from previous owner Mr J Reid outlining its history.

The Montgomery had been found in Kyle on the West Coast of Scotland by a Mr C Buchan of Aberdeen in the mid-to-late 1970s and purchased from the then owner. In 1987 Mr Buchan decided to sell the (now dismantled) machine to Mr Reid, who commenced its restoration in the 1990s and finished it in early 2009. In June 2009 the Montgomery was on static display at the Fraserburgh annual Vintage car rally where it won 'The Best Restored Bike' award. In March 2010 the machine was placed on display for the 2010 season at The Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. Mr Reid did not attempt to start the machine, which has not run since the restoration's completion. It appears the last time the Montgomery was licensed for the road was 1955 ('JO' is an Oxford registration issued between June 1930 and April 1934). Among other documentation, the substantial history file contains 'as found' images from the 1970s; an old-style buff logbook; and a V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted that the frame number is heavily over-painted and indiscernible.
Key not required