The David Plant Collection, c.1915 Douglas Project

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 15:27 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

The David Plant Collection, c.1915 Douglas Project

Registration no. Not registered (see text)
Frame no. 36812
Engine no. n/a

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. In military service the 2¾hp Douglas was used for solo despatch duties while the 4hp model - introduced for 1915 - was used as a motorcycle combination.

At time of cataloguing it had not been possibly positively to identify or date this early Douglas, although the frame number suggests mid-wartime. Lacking both an engine and gearbox, the machine is offered as an incomplete restoration project and sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted that the registration displayed on the machine - 'AJ 4500' - is not in either the HPI or DVLA database and therefore cannot be linked to this machine. There are no document with this Lot.

Condition and completeness unknown, Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

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.

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Additional information

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