1937 New Imperial 148cc Model 23

Builder of the last British-made machine to win the Lightweight 250 TT during the pre-war era, New Imperial was unsurpassed for innovation during the 1930s, offering models featuring pivoted fork rear suspension and unitary construction of the engine and gearbox. Introduced for 1933, the unitary construction Model 23 was based on an unconventional, stillborn prototype, first seen in 1932, which carried its valve gear behind the cylinder. The production Model 23 was more conventional as far as its valve gear was concerned but less so elsewhere, featuring unitary construction of the engine/gearbox, geared primary drive, and coil ignition. Qualifying for a reduced rate of road tax for up-to-150cc machines, the Model 23 was a huge success for New Imperial and continued in production until 1940.

This nicely presented New Imperial lightweight has clearly benefited from ongoing maintenance and restoration throughout its life, as detailed by the accompanying history file. Most recently (in 2022), the machine benefited from the following works (receipts on file):

• Engine bolt locknuts
• Fresh Brooklands Monograde oil
• Some electrical repairs
• Fitting of flashing indicators, including fabrication of brackets
• Adjustment and rebuild of the throttle
• Road test and adjustment (by Creed & Shore Motorworks Ltd)

While in the previous Hull-based ownership, the machine benefited from the works listed below circa 2014-2015. Receipts on file and accompanying restoration images suggest this is when the machine was last restored, including:

• New batteries and a new Lucas battery case
• Vapour cleaning of engine castings
• Replacement tool box, number plate, stand, mudguard, wheel
• Brake hubs
• Brake arms
• Brackets
• Mudguard brackets
• Handlebars
• Fork links
• Headlamp stays
• Some re-chroming
• Paint
• Various new bolts throughout

The 2015 New Imperial Owners' Association inspection report (on file) suggests that the vehicle registration had lapsed (hence the inspection), indicating the machine had been off the road for some time. The accompanying 1945 continuation logbook lists Bryan Carter of Bedford as owner in 1945, with no further entries. It is not known when the current owner purchased the machine, but certainly some time between 2015 and when the last V5C was issued in 2022. The machine is also offered with a maintenance manual, owner's guide and spare parts manual (all copies) and the aforementioned extensive history file of assorted paperwork (inspection recommended).
Key not required