1926 Douglas 350 EW

Registration No: YO 4418
Frame No: 23031
MOT: Exempt

• Douglas's unusual fore and aft 350cc flat twin
• Fitted with period Carbide front and rear lights
• Supplied with a couple of manuals and a V5C

Douglas manufactured a range of motorcycles and briefly cars from 1907 to 1957, unusually based in Kingswood, Bristol, away from the Birmingham hotbed of automotive production. The brothers William and Edwin Douglas founded the Douglas Engineering Company in 1882, initially as blacksmiths, then progressing on to foundry work. Joseph Barter's Light Motors Ltd. was one of Douglas's customers, and when they closed in 1906 Douglas took over the manufacturing rights to their 200cc flat twin engine. In 1907, they designed a 350cc version with the horizontally opposed fore and aft twin becoming their trademark design, proving to be very successful in sporting events, especially Speedway. During World War 1, Douglas was a major motorcycle supplier, making around 70,000 motorcycles for military use. In 1925 the new E.W model was introduced with both the engine and cycle parts updated, the main new feature being the attractive sloping petrol tank with the hand change gear lever operated through a slot in the top, finished in the famous Douglas Silver and Blue colour scheme. The company continued into the 1960s, now with across the frame flat twins, and produced Vespa scooters under licence from Piaggio.

This rare 1926 350 EW is from a deceased estate, so unfortunately not much is known of its history. It was bought by the vendor a few years ago to add to his small collection of 1920s classics. It appears to be an older restoration and now wears a nice patina, still fitted with period carbide front and rear lights and typical of its day leather pannier boxes. Stood for a while, it will need recommissioning before use and will be supplied with an original 'Parts List' book and a copy of the 'Running Instructions' manual together with a current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189