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Posted 2 years ago
Dan_in_Sac…
(1 item)
I am trying to indentify this antique motorcycle. The motor is made by Villier's Engineering. So far I can't find where Villier's actually made a motorcycle. This is what I know about it:
Antique Motorcycle with Villier's Engineering 2-stroke motor, 1940-1944
Made by Villier's Engineering, vintage of around 1935-1944. The dates I have based on some pictures I found of Villier's engines, I could be wrong.
Single cylinder, 2-stroke. Gas tank has a built-in oil measuring cup to mix the gas & oil.
The motorcycle is about 98% complete. Needs restoring. Motor turns.
This appears to be a very rare motorcycle. I think Villier's Engineering was a predecessor to Norton Motorbikes.
Here are the numbers from the frame: P11529297, C153 MB, C151, 179 M&B, C161+.
Numbers from right side of engine: Patent 531639, F38, 786, 227A 70335.
Numbers on right side of cylinder: 7095 PF2.
Writing and numbers on emblem on right side of engine: THE VILLIER'S ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED USE WAKEFIELD V.E.C. WOLVERHAMPTON PATENT CASTROL XL.
Tires: 3.00 - 19 Avon Speedmaster Made In England E24038.
I would appreciate any more information about this interesting find. I wanted to restore it, but I can't seem to find the time.
MotorcyclesMotorcycles have figured prominently in just about every aspect of 20th-cen…
I'm not really sure but I think you have a 'James' Motorcycle. They were english and this looks like the 'light' model from the 30's. take the info you have here to this site :(http://www.simplywizard.co.uk/folders/history/history4.htm) they should be able to tell you for sure. A friend of mine had one in the late 50's early 60's, it wasn't much on flash but was always reliable........Good Luck.
I don't know if I've ever seen one of these, but the design and styling is almost the same as th "ST" model Harleys. Those were made as early as the 1940's. Hope someone post info on this because I wanna know also. Best Regards, Kerry
Pop_abides you might something there, looks similar.
With the clues above given by Pop_abides, I think I have come up with a pretty close identification. It appears to be a 1949 Ambassador series III with the Villier's 6e 197cc 2-stroke, single cylinder engine. http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ambassador/Ambassador_1949_AU.htm
The Ambassador mototrcycle was made and sold in Australia, the company was started by the famous racer Kaye Earnest Donsky known as Kaye Don. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaye_Don
Information about the Ambassador motorcycle company: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassador_Motorcycles
Now, what do I do with it?
Thanks for your help. Dan in Sacramento