The Green House Farm Collection, 1903 Quadrant 369cc (see text)

• Acquired in the late 1990s
• An older restoration
• Successfully completed five Pioneer Runs and other 'Vintage' events

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 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.

This Quadrant was acquired in the late 1990s via an online auction sale. Much of this motorcycle is believed original, while the engine has been fully restored using a 6-volt total loss ignition system. Since restoration, the Quadrant has successfully completed five Pioneer Runs from London to Brighton (without any pedalling assistance) plus several Golden Eras and Northern Veteran Runs. It has the unique (at the time) Quadrant front suspension and a reverse pedal rear brake. The non-original fuel tank and handlebar came with the motorcycle when purchased. An Amal carburettor is fitted currently and castings for a Longuemare carburettor are included in the sale.

The machine has been kept in heated, dry storage with all fuel drained and carburettors cleaned following each use. Although not used very often in recent years, it has been periodically started. The vendor is thinning down his collection, hence the reason for sale. Accompanying documents include a Pioneer Certificate and current V5C.

It should be noted that the V5C records the engine number as '2076', while the actual engine number is '1472' (on both crankcases). The frame number recorded on the Pioneer Certificate is '61402', whereas the actual frame number is '1402'. The engine capacity is recorded as 369cc on the Pioneer Certificate and 359cc on the V5C. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the engine's capacity prior to bidding.
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