1928 Peugeot (Griffon) 249cc P108

This motorcycle appears to be an older restoration, with the fuel tank finished in Peugeot colours. It is currently registered as a 1928 Griffon rather than as a Peugeot. (Peugeot acquired the Griffon marque in the late 1920s, and consequently the Griffon and Peugeot P108 models are, in effect, identical machines.)

The accompanying HPI report notes that the machine was previously registered overseas, with first UK registration recorded on 21/08/1969. It should be noted that the V5C incorrectly lists the frame number as '834371'; accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to the validity of the vehicle's registration number prior to bidding.

This motorcycle was purchased at auction on 20th March 2024 by the late owner and has not been used since acquisition. Documentation on file includes a 1989 letter from a Mr Watson of Redruth, Cornwall, who recalls seeing the motorcycle at Bill Simpkins' repair shop near St Agnes and referencing previous ownership by Dick Tregonning. The letter suggests the machine arrived in the UK around the summer of 1980, having been brought from France, together with four other French motorcycles, by Roger Fogg.

The machine is offered with the following:

• V5C
• Part old V5
• Photocopy old V5
• 2024 auction invoice
• Copy marque literature
• 1989 correspondence

• A typed document on file states:

"The bike is a 250cc side-valve type P108 built by Peugeot from 1929 to 1939.
Although there is a Griffon badge on the steering head, the engine and frame numbers indicate that the bike is in fact a Peugeot. The bike was also built and badged as a Griffon (Griffon was taken over by Peugeot in the mid 1920s).

Engine and Transmission
250cc side-valve engine
3-speed hand-change gearbox in unit with engine
Gear lever on the right with crossover to the left-hand side
Cone-type clutch
Built-in oil tank in crankcase (dry sump system retained)
Oil pump circulates oil around engine
Valve controls oil flow to primary chain drive
Duplex primary chain on the right
Magneto drive via gears supported by bronze bushes
Magneto appears to be BTH (no markings visible)
Carburettor: Amal 274/014b (incorrect; correct type is French Gurtner B19)
Kick-start on right, engaging clutch centre via sprag gear
Valve lifter fitted
Plug size: 18 mm

Frame
Strong 3-piece bolted construction
Large cast top beam incorporating steering head
Girder forks with:
Two suspension springs
Friction damper
Wheels: 21"
Front wheel likely not original (resembles Bantam wheel)

Equipment
Acetylene lighting system
Headlight: Powell & Hammer
Generator: Lucas
Rear light: Lucas
Lighting system not fully tubed (not intended for use)
Toolbox mounted on rear mudguard with leather-opening front
Tyre inflator fitted to front forks
Replica bulb horn fitted
Built-in luggage rack

Background
Found near Wrexham in complete condition, partly restored
Initially believed to have been used by Germans in WWII and later brought to England, but this was incorrect. Imported to the UK in 1980 by a Vintage Club member.

A shield on the front down tube reads:
LABROUQUE
A
ST AICULIN
CHARENTE
INFRE
This likely refers to the original French owner, Mr. Labrouque from Charente (France).

Research
Very rare in the UK (possibly unique example)
Authenticated by RSG Moto (Belgium), who supplied:
Illustrated spares list
Original tank transfers
Can be badged as either Griffon or Peugeot

Registration
Original French plate: 710 GD 7
UK registration: SSV 402 (Swansea)
Swansea document available

Rebuild
General Work
Fully dismantled
Old paint chemically stripped
Parts treated with Jenolite anti-rust treatment

Frame and Components
Mudguards: pitted but intact
Tank:
Rust removed internally
Sealed with Petseal
Forks:
Worn spindles and bushes replaced (specialist in Birmingham)
New steering head bearings fitted

Fasteners and Finish
All nuts, bolts replaced with stainless steel
Plating: nickel (correct for 1929)
Most parts plated in-house using Dynic equipment
Handlebars and exhaust plated commercially

Paintwork
Mason's primer filler used
Coach enamel finish
12 coats applied
Colour scheme:
Black base
Red tank panel with gold lining
Originally no standard factory colour

New/Replaced Parts
Handlebar grips
Footrest rubbers
Tank knee grips
Leather toolbox front (new)
Complete new saddle with springs and cover

Engine Work
Engine initially ran well
Inspection strip carried out
Findings and repairs:
Crack in exhaust stub → repaired with screwed pipe
New valves fitted
Valve seats re-cut and reground
Bearings and piston in good condition → left original
Indicates very low lifetime usage
New exhaust pipe fabricated and nickel-plated
New 18mm spark plug fitted

Lighting Restoration
Acetylene headlamp dismantled
Reflector beyond repair → replaced creatively:
Magnifying mirror used and bonded in place
New generator fitted

Wheels and Cables
New tyre and tube fitted (front)
Rear tyre remained serviceable
New cables fitted where needed

Outstanding Work
Front girder forks require final setup
New drive chain recommended
Rear stand needs replacement (original lost)

Please note that the foregoing account reflects the previous owner's research and restoration work in good faith. However, due to the machine's age and rarity, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed."

The engine turns over; however, following a period of inactivity, the motorcycle will require recommissioning and possibly restoration to varying degrees before being returned to road use. It is offered strictly as viewed, and interested parties must satisfy themselves with regard to the machine's completeness, authenticity, originality, history, and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required