1932 Cotton-JAP 350cc OHV

• Single family ownership since 1982
• Restored 1982/1983
• Kept dry stored when not in use

Gloucester-based Cotton established its reputation with a string of racing successes in the 1920s thanks to an innovative frame patented by its founder, Frank Willoughby Cotton. Cotton's design featured four straight tubes running from the steering head to the rear wheel spindle, augmented by further straight stays supporting the gearbox and engine. The result was a stiff, lightweight chassis far in advance of the bicycle-derived diamond-type frame used by the majority of manufacturers. Like other small independent firms Cotton relied on proprietary engines but such was the advantage conferred by its frame that the Cotton had little trouble seeing off similarly powered rivals. The legendary Stanley Woods made his Isle of Man TT debut on a Cotton in 1922, going on to win the Junior event at record speed the following year. Countless wins and placings were achieved in international events throughout the 1920s, Cotton's finest TT achievement occurring in 1926 when its entries finished 1, 2, 3 in the 250 Lightweight race.

The vendor's father-in-law purchased this Cotton-JAP in 1982 from W S Johnson & Co's auction of Veteran and Vintage vehicles in Leighton Buzzard (Lot 8). A copy of the original auction catalogue is on file together with the sales invoice. The father-in-law purchased the Cotton as a basket case and restored the machine with his son-in-law's help. It was in pieces but mainly all there, with the exception of engine/gearbox mounts, handlebars, and all control cables, etc. By the following summer the Cotton was up and running. Over the succeeding years it was shared on many VMCC runs and rallies, and was ridden from Northampton to the Cotton Rally in Gloucester, winning the 'longest distance travelled' award. By this time the pair had acquired a second Cotton, so they had one each.

Sadly, its owner passed away in 2002, since when the vendor has carried on enjoying and looking after the Cotton until today. The machine has been kept dry stored in the garage when not in use and was last taxed in 2014. Recommissioning will be required before further use.
Accompanying paperwork includes old/current V5/V5C documents; an old-style R.F 60 logbook (1965); expired MoTs (most recent 2006); VMCC display card; pre-restoration photographs; marque-related literature; and the aforementioned 1982 auction catalogue and receipt.
Key not required