1914 Scott Two-Speed

Lot details
Registration No: BB 1692
Frame No: 432
Engine No: 2484
cc: 532
MOT Expiry Date: None

Like the other great Yorkshire motorcycle manufacture, Panther, the Shipley based Scott concern built machines of a type unique to themselves. The basic design of the engine had been established in the pioneer period when Alfred Angas Scott had first introduced his twin cylinder, liquid cooled two stroke to the world during 1908. The new machine featured a unit construction two speed gearbox, chain final drive. This model, displacing 333cc had a very limited production run, with only six machines being built by the Jowett concern. However, three class wins at the years main hill climb near Daventry demonstrated the machines excellence. It is often stated that the Jowett built Scott's were fitted with a kickstart, although Mr Clews suggests otherwise in his history of the marque. What is not disputed is that the machines that subsequently emerged from Shipley were so equipped. The new Shipley built machines benefited from increases in capacity to 450cc and mechanical refinements but retained the layout originally introduced in 1908. 1911 saw a further increase in capacity to 486cc and the introduction of a new radiator, equipped with a honeycomb core to aid cooling with the engine size being increased again for the 1912 season to 532cc. 1912 and 1913 marked a high point for the firm, taking victory at the TT in both years. The design of the Scott resulted in a machine that was light in weight which combined with the rigid triangulated frame design to endow the machine with excellent handling, whilst the engine produced enough power to make brisk progress possible. The 1913 models marked the introduction of the famous rexine covering to the fuel tank whilst the 1914 machines adopted heavier forks, a drip feed lubricator to prevent over oiling and a an oil cup to lubricate the two speed gear.

The machine offered dates from 1914 and is described by the vendor as being in good condition in all respects having been restored. The black paintwork is complimented by a blue rexine covered fuel tank and the machine is equipped with alloy floorboards. The vendor informs us that the magneto was overhauled in 2004 and that the machine was last run in 2008. It is offered with a Swansea V5c, Pioneer Certificate number 290 and some bills relating to the restoration.