1903 Quadrant 3hp Forecar

Frame no. 62102 Engine no. 1008

Footnotes

• Purchased in 1996

• Formerly part of the Faud Majzub collection

• An older restoration

• London-Brighton Run participant

• Eligible for the Pioneer Run and Banbury Run

In the early 1880s, Walter and William Lloyd patented a pedal tricycle steering mechanism, calling their invention 'Quadrant', a name that would later be applied to complete bicycles, tricycles, forecars and motorcycles. Built at Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, the first of the latter appeared in 1901, making Quadrant one of this country's earliest motorcycle manufacturers. Called the 'Autocyclette', the first Quadrant was little more than one of the firm's bicycles with a proprietary Minerva engine attached to the front down-tube. For 1903 the design was revised, the engine, now Quadrant's own, moving to the conventional 'Werner' position within a new loop frame.

Early in 1907 the Lloyds split with fellow board member Tom Silver, Walter going his own way to manufacture the LMC while Silver retained the rights to the Quadrant name and designs. After a relatively brief sojourn in Coventry, the firm returned to Birmingham in 1911. A 1,129cc v-twin was added to the range for 1913 but did not last long, the mainstay of Quadrant's production at this time being a 600cc single. Post-WWI, large-capacity singles of 654cc and 780cc continued to be a fixture of the range, to which was added a 490cc model in 1924. An overhead-valve, twin-port version of the latter was new for 1927, but by now Quadrant was in terminal decline and production ceased in 1928.

An older restoration, this handsome Quadrant forecar was purchased at Brooks' Olympia sale in March 1996 (Lot 421). At that time it was stated that the machine had been carefully restored some 30 years previously, following which it spent many years in Australia. It was originally registered as 'CD 109' and for some time formed part of the collection of the late Faud Majzub. Purchased by the then owner in November 1993, the Quadrant was described as original and running and in generally excellent condition, having successfully completed the London-Brighton Run in 1995 'without incident'.

A nicely patinated older restoration, the machine has Quadrant's own engine, with 'atmospheric' inlet and side exhaust valves. Drive to the rear wheel is direct from the crankshaft by belt, and there are cycle pedals fitted for 'light assistance' when climbing hills. Other notable features include Dietz sidelights, a Renauds Motos headlamp, and a comfortable sprung chair for the passenger. Accompanying documentation includes the Brooks catalogue page, a VCC Certificate of Date (1903), a selection of photographs, UK C&E Form 386, and a quantity of photocopied literature.


• Acquis en 1996

• Anciennement dans la Collection Faud Majzub

• Ancienne restauration

• Participant au Londres-Brighton

• Éligible aussi aux Pioneer et au Banbury Runs

Anciennement restauré, cet élégant avant-train Quadrant a été acquis à la vente Brooks de mars 1996 à l'Olympia (Lot 421). Lors de cette vente, il a été précisé que la machine avait été soigneusement restaurée quelque 30 ans auparavant après quoi elle avait été conservée plusieurs années en Australie. Immatriculée à l'origine « CD 109 », elle avait fait partie de la collection de feu Faud Majzub. Rachetée en novembre 1993, la Quadrant était alors décrite comme étant d'origine et fonctionnelle et dans un excellent état général et qu'elle avait accompli le London-Brighton Run de 1995 « sans incident ».

Montrant une belle patine à la suite cette ancienne restauration, la machine possède un moteur Quadrant maison à soupape d'admission automatique et soupape d'échappement latérale.Une courroie assure la transmission à la roue arrière depuis le vilebrequin et des pédales permettent d'apporter à la mécanique une « petite assistance » en montée. On notera la présence de feux latéraux Dietz, d'une phare Renauds Motos et d'un siège suspendu confortable pour le passager. La documentation jointe comprend la page du catalogue Brooks, un certificat de datation du VCC (1903), une sélection de photos, une C&E Form 386 du Royaume-Uni et un certain nombre de textes en photocopies.


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.