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Details
1920 DOUGLAS 4 H.P "B" MODEL MOTORCYCLE
Frame No. TBA
Engine No. 11951
Engine: horizontally opposed air-cooled twin cylinder, 595cc, bore and stroke 78.5 x 68mm; Gearbox: three-speed hand controlled, chain driven, final drive by belt; Suspension: girder fork and coil spring front forks; Brake: single rear brake.
Douglas' horizontally-opposed cylinders stood the company in excellent stead throughout the first few decades of the 20th century; the name was renowned on the race circuits of Europe, not least the legendary Isle of Man T.T., and in time-honoured fashion these track successes translated into sales. 25,000 machines were produced for the War Office between 1914 and 1918, and their use by dispatch riders confirmed the marque's reputation for reliability and practicality combined with lively, entertaining performance.
Introduced in 1914 with war work in mind, by the early 1920s the "B" model was the company's most popular line. The 4 h.p, introduced in 1915, was a versatile machine, easy to maintain and powerful enough for the most gruelling work (including pulling a sidecar).
The example offered here appears to date from 1920, as evidenced by the model designation B/20, and by the engine number. It is in extremely original condition, featuring such items as the brass horn, acetylene generator, panniers, speedo, and even a tax disc holder complete with disc "expiring 31st Dec:1926". No documentation other than this tax disc exists, but the motorcycle is accompanied by a number of items including a period leather helmet and goggles, a leather box of spare parts, and a period hand air pump.
Clearly not used for some considerable time, some recommissioning will be necessary before this 4 h.p. "B" is roadworthy. A remarkable find, it represents an exciting opportunity to acquire a lovely example of a popular and highly usable vintage motorcycle.
Frame No. TBA
Engine No. 11951
Engine: horizontally opposed air-cooled twin cylinder, 595cc, bore and stroke 78.5 x 68mm; Gearbox: three-speed hand controlled, chain driven, final drive by belt; Suspension: girder fork and coil spring front forks; Brake: single rear brake.
Douglas' horizontally-opposed cylinders stood the company in excellent stead throughout the first few decades of the 20th century; the name was renowned on the race circuits of Europe, not least the legendary Isle of Man T.T., and in time-honoured fashion these track successes translated into sales. 25,000 machines were produced for the War Office between 1914 and 1918, and their use by dispatch riders confirmed the marque's reputation for reliability and practicality combined with lively, entertaining performance.
Introduced in 1914 with war work in mind, by the early 1920s the "B" model was the company's most popular line. The 4 h.p, introduced in 1915, was a versatile machine, easy to maintain and powerful enough for the most gruelling work (including pulling a sidecar).
The example offered here appears to date from 1920, as evidenced by the model designation B/20, and by the engine number. It is in extremely original condition, featuring such items as the brass horn, acetylene generator, panniers, speedo, and even a tax disc holder complete with disc "expiring 31st Dec:1926". No documentation other than this tax disc exists, but the motorcycle is accompanied by a number of items including a period leather helmet and goggles, a leather box of spare parts, and a period hand air pump.
Clearly not used for some considerable time, some recommissioning will be necessary before this 4 h.p. "B" is roadworthy. A remarkable find, it represents an exciting opportunity to acquire a lovely example of a popular and highly usable vintage motorcycle.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.