LOT 344

c.1924 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp Registration no. PP 276 Frame no. not located Engine no. 21161 (see text)

Sold for £5,175 inc. premium

Lot 344

c.1924 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1924 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp
Registration no. PP 276
Frame no. not located
Engine no. 21161 (see text)

This 2¾hp Douglas has an interesting history. According to the continuation logbook, the machine was first registered in January 1924 with engine number '35935', while the crankcases supplied with the Lot (numbered '25782') correspond with the frame number recorded in the continuation logbook issued in 1969.

The Douglas was owned for many years by Trevor Hulks of Evesham, a keen enthusiast remembered in connection with his wife, the accomplished racing driver, Joy Rainey. Following Trevor's passing, Bonhams offered the machine from Joy's collection in the Spring Stafford Sale of April 2011 (Lot 259).

The first recorded keeper in the logbook was Albert Gibbons of Speen, Princes Risborough, who came from a family of chair makers. In 1921 he was working for Smith & Co Chair Manufacturers in High Wycombe, and may have used the Douglas to commute between Speen and High Wycombe. Gibbons passed away in 1953, and was likely the first owner. The next recorded keeper, in 1969, was Roger Gagg of Chilwell, Nottinghamshire – a member of the VMCC's Notts & Derbyshire section – with Trevor Hulks acquiring the machine in 1976.

After the 2011 auction, the Douglas was sold to an Irish buyer who commissioned a restoration. In 2018 it was acquired by the present owner, who reports occasional use since, most recently in 2023. It remains in attractive order, now sporting a wicker basket, bulb horn and a serviced magneto.

Accompanying spares include the crankcases, a two-speed gearbox (the machine currently wears a three-speed), crankshaft, con-rods and cylinders/heads. Offered with the green logbook and current V5C, 'PP 256' represents a fine example of Douglas' flat-twin, with enthusiast ownership stretching back to the 1960s.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The correct Vehicle Registration Number is PP 256. It should be noted that a frame number has not been located. Prospective bidders are therefore advised to satisfy themselves as to the composition of the machine's component parts prior to bidding.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
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