Andrew Barrett
Specialist
LOT 204
1928 Douglas 348cc Model C/28 (EW) Project
Sold for £5,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 204
1928 Douglas 348cc Model C/28 (EW) Project
1928 Douglas 348cc Model C/28 (EW) Project
Registration no. RP 5307
Frame no. MF18031
Engine no. YE 21493
Designed by Cyril Pullin and launched at the Olympia Show in 1925, the Douglas EW was intended to benefit from tax concessions available to lightweights, and so weighed under 200lb. In typical Douglas fashion the 348cc engine was a fore-and-aft flat twin: a fixed-head sidevalve with outside flywheel, hand and mechanical oil pumps, and BTH magneto ignition. A gearbox mounted behind rather than above the rear cylinder, all-chain drive and decent-sized drum brakes differentiated the EW from its predecessors, as did the handsome sloping fuel tank that replaced the 'flat' style used hitherto. An unusual feature was the gear change gate located in the tank's centre. Benefiting from numerous improvements, the EW went on to achieve some notable successes in the popular reliability trials of the period. For 1928 the three 348cc EW models were redesignated A/28 (Standard), B/28 (De Luxe) and C/28 (Sports), while the two 596cc versions became the E/28 (Standard) and F/28 (Sports).
The late private owner purchased this C/28 in 1959 from the previous keeper, who had acquired it in 1934. The Douglas was last ridden 62 years ago by the late private owner's brother (when he was 17), on which occasion the engine sucked up a piece of grit, which wrote off the rear cylinder. It is offered with a spare cylinder barrel and head to repair the damaged one. Accompanying paperwork consists of an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1952) and an old-style V5 registration document. 'RP 5307' is recorded in the HPI database; nevertheless, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this vehicle's registration status prior to bidding. This motorcycle will need restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Key not required.
Frame no. MF18031
Engine no. YE 21493
Designed by Cyril Pullin and launched at the Olympia Show in 1925, the Douglas EW was intended to benefit from tax concessions available to lightweights, and so weighed under 200lb. In typical Douglas fashion the 348cc engine was a fore-and-aft flat twin: a fixed-head sidevalve with outside flywheel, hand and mechanical oil pumps, and BTH magneto ignition. A gearbox mounted behind rather than above the rear cylinder, all-chain drive and decent-sized drum brakes differentiated the EW from its predecessors, as did the handsome sloping fuel tank that replaced the 'flat' style used hitherto. An unusual feature was the gear change gate located in the tank's centre. Benefiting from numerous improvements, the EW went on to achieve some notable successes in the popular reliability trials of the period. For 1928 the three 348cc EW models were redesignated A/28 (Standard), B/28 (De Luxe) and C/28 (Sports), while the two 596cc versions became the E/28 (Standard) and F/28 (Sports).
The late private owner purchased this C/28 in 1959 from the previous keeper, who had acquired it in 1934. The Douglas was last ridden 62 years ago by the late private owner's brother (when he was 17), on which occasion the engine sucked up a piece of grit, which wrote off the rear cylinder. It is offered with a spare cylinder barrel and head to repair the damaged one. Accompanying paperwork consists of an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1952) and an old-style V5 registration document. 'RP 5307' is recorded in the HPI database; nevertheless, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this vehicle's registration status prior to bidding. This motorcycle will need restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Key not required.
Footnotes
BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 28%+VAT on the first £40k of the Hammer Price, then 27%+VAT up to £800k, then 21%+VAT up to £4.5M and 14.5%+VAT thereafter.
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.
CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.
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