Lot details
Registration No: CXA 296
Frame No: AA199
Engine No: SIJ197
cc: 498
MOT Expiry Date: Aug 2006

Originally an off-shoot of the Bristol based Douglas Foundry Company the motorcycle sub-division that bore its name was founded in 1907. Characterised by their 'fore-and-aft' mounted flat-twin engines, Douglas motorcycles enjoyed considerable success in both on- and off-road competition (winning the 1912 TT and taking two team prizes in the Six Days Trial etc). Producing some 25,000 despatch bikes during World War I, the 1920s saw their machines sporting overhead valves, all-chain drive and lower frames with Tom Sheard using one to win the 1923 Senior TT. However, an expansive range of expensive models meant they were hit harder than most by the Depression. Thus, the recently formed Douglas Motors (1932) Ltd found itself in the hands of the receiver two short years later. Rescued by old William Douglas himself, it re-emerged as William Douglas (Bristol) Ltd. Anxious to gain some much needed publicity Management charged the factory experimental department with creating an exciting new model. The result was the Endeavour. Developed by Eddie Withers, Jack Clapham and Stan Jenkins in the course of just a few short months it made its debut at the 1934 Olympia Show. The first Douglas to feature a transverse mounted powerplant, its 494cc sidevalve flat-twin was shared with the more traditional Blue Chief (the prototype of which was being tested simultaneously). Equipped with a four-speed tank-change gearbox and car-like shaft drive, it was widely acclaimed by the contemporary press encouraging Douglas to lay down some 200 sets of parts. Though, in an interview given to The Classic Motorcycle magazine in November 1985, Eddie Withers claimed that no more than 50 Endeavours were ever completed. Hamstrung by a £72 10s price tag that put it in direct competition with the likes of the four-valve ohv Rudge Ulster (£73 10s) and 990cc Matchless Model X (£68 15s), the ground-breaking machine had no sooner got into its production stride than Douglas hit financial troubles again. Following a takeover by Aero Engines Ltd in June 1935, motorcycle operations slowed to a trickle with the remaining '1936' Endeavours being sold off via the Pride & Clarke dealership.
Finished in black with blue painted panels to its tank, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in excellent overall condition. Reportedly with its previous owner for "twenty years or so", it retains "all its original factory fitments including a genuine Douglas twistgrip". Said to be capable of being "ridden anywhere", it is offered for sale with old logbook, V5C registration document and MOT certificate current until August 2006.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor informs us that this is only the second Endeavour to be offered at public auction.