1935 Douglas Endeavour

Registration No: CLF 97
Frame No: AA176
MOT: Exempt

• A lovely restored example of the now rare and sought-after Endeavour
• A rare and desirable ‘top of the range’ pre-war Douglas
• Has previously passed through the hands of eminent dealers Micheal Freeman and Brian Verral

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 side-valve 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.

This is a lovely restored example of the now rare and sought-after Endeavour model that was produced by Douglas in the early 1930s as a top of the range ‘flagship’ model. It incorporated several advanced design features, including a 'car-like' clutch and transmission with propshaft, which sadly proved to be a bit too expensive to make it the success it should have been. Described by the vendor as good in all respects, 'CLF' is accompanied by a history file with various historic receipts showing not only that it has had a comprehensive restoration but it has also, very interestingly and significantly, passed through the hands of eminent dealers Micheal Freeman and Brian Verral. Additionally, offered with some old MOTs, an original sales brochure copy and period articles. An excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and desirable ‘top of the range’ pre-war Douglas in nicely restored condition combined with the mechanical specification, this machine is worthy of serious consideration as a rideable pre-war mount.

For more information, please contact:
Stewart Parker
info@handh.co.uk
07836 346875