LOT 359

c.1921 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp Registration no. AY 7851 Frame no. 393869 (see text) Engine no. 52850

Sold for £5,175 inc. premium

Lot 359

c.1921 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp

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

c.1921 Douglas 348cc 2¾hp
Registration no. AY 7851
Frame no. 393869 (see text)
Engine no. 52850

Douglas employed Joseph Barter to set up production of their motorcycles, and due to his influence, the machines were horizontally opposed twins. With the design's innate smoothness, it became a layout that they stuck to with few exceptions during their manufacturing history. They prospered with the 2 ¾ HP model, proving the machine in competition, and winning the TT in 1912. They gained a further boost when Douglas was contracted to provide machines for the War Department during the Great War.

AY 7851 is a 2¾ 3-speed gearbox model with a clutch. It was purchased in 2008 (receipt on file), and was used intermittently by the vendor thereafter. He started the Banbury run on the machine in 2009, but failed to finish due to a gear selection problem of his own making, caused by incorrect adjustment, which was soon rectified. The Douglas became used less, in favour of other bikes, and has not been used since approximately 2015, being kept in dry storage. Accordingly, it will require re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use with a new owner. It should be noted that the frame number appears to have one digit too many compared to other machines of the period. However, this number matches the V5C, and is recorded as the same in the Douglas Club register. Documentation for the machine consists of a current V5C, an old V5C, and a large folder containing a variety of useful information, such as a handbook, copy handbook, brochure extract copies, the aforementioned purchase receipt, invoices, and sundry papers.
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.

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