1914 Douglas 348cc

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1914 Douglas 348cc
Registration no. CO 1083
Frame no. Y6389
Engine no. 16867

The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry took up motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed, twin-cylinder engine, and the company would keep faith with this layout until it ceased motorcycle production in 1957. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity, and the design's virtues were soon demonstrated in competition, 2¾hp Douglas machines taking 1st, 2nd and 4th places in the 1912 Junior TT in the Isle of Man. Douglas were quick to realise the advantages of the countershaft gearbox, its three-speed entries gaining the Team Prize in the 1914 Six Days Trial, a conspicuous success that resulted in the firm obtaining a wartime contract for the supply of military machines. By the time hostilities ceased, Douglas had supplied some 25,000 machines to British, Belgian and Australian forces in France.

This 1914 Douglas has been in the vendor's family's possession since 1976. An older restoration, the machine has been stored for over 20 years and will require recommissioning before returning to the road (the engine turns over). The Douglas is offered with an old-style V5C, three old tax discs (one dating from December 1930) and an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1965).
Key not required

Footnotes

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the HPI and V5C incorrectly list the frame number as '15389', a typographical error. This machine was formerly in the collection of David Newman, who sold it in 1976. We understand Mr Newman acquired the Douglas from noted collector Wally Lambert.

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