.jpg?w=1)
Details
c.1926 DOUGLAS EW 349cc TWIN-CYLINDER MOTOR CYCLE
Frame No. 17587
Engine No. 18899
Black frame with a blue and silver liveried fuel tank
Engine: horizontally opposed air-cooled twin cylinder, 349cc; Transmission: two-speed gearbox, chain drive; Suspension: girder fork and coil spring front forks; Brake: single rear brake.
Douglas motor cycles began to emerge from the Bristol factory set up by William Douglas in 1907. By 1912 they had progressed enough to be a force to be reckoned with in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races. The 2.27hp two-speed, horizontally opposed Douglas won that year's Junior race at 39.65mph. There were many other successes in competitions of every kind. By virtue of its pioneering engine layout, the Douglas ran more smoothly than many of its competitors. Demand for it was brisk and, by the standards of the time, the company soon became a major British manufacturer producing over 12,000 motorcycles before the end of 1914. Robust, lively and easily maintained, the Douglas was a logical choice for use by British Army despatch riders in the First World War. There was a recruiting campaign to find experienced riders and the War Office placed very large orders, Douglas producing over 25,000 machines before the Armistice ended hostilities in 1918.
Into the vintage period Douglas continued to produce their now renowned 'flat-tank' horizontal twin, but as the 1920s progressed it was beginning to look a little outdated. A new model 'EW' was launched at the Olympia show in 1925 and was intended to take advantage of the tax concessions for lighter, sub-200lb-weight machines. Designed by Cyril Pullin and clearly aesthetically a basic evolution of its predecessor, it was technically better owing to its all-chain drive and improved larger drum brakes. Naturally its power unit was a flat-twin, but for the EW it had a fixed head side-valve with outside flywheel, the gearbox now being mounted behind the rear cylinder. Lubrication came by hand and mechanical oil pumps, while ignition was by BTH magneto. In keeping with the fashion of the day, an elongated triangular fuel tank was now fitted mirroring the bowed frame line, but necessitating an unusual feature of the gearchange fitting through the centre of the tank. Initially the EW showed some teething troubles which Douglas quickly resolved, and by the late 1920s the model was to achieve moderate success in trials and competition.
The EW we offer for sale appears to conform to correct specification, and is an example of an older restoration. Its paintwork is generally good and the Nickel brightwork has clearly been refurbished in recent years. It is complete with front headlight and generator. Little is known of the early history of the motorcycle, but it has resided in the present ownership for approximately 10 years.
Frame No. 17587
Engine No. 18899
Black frame with a blue and silver liveried fuel tank
Engine: horizontally opposed air-cooled twin cylinder, 349cc; Transmission: two-speed gearbox, chain drive; Suspension: girder fork and coil spring front forks; Brake: single rear brake.
Douglas motor cycles began to emerge from the Bristol factory set up by William Douglas in 1907. By 1912 they had progressed enough to be a force to be reckoned with in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races. The 2.27hp two-speed, horizontally opposed Douglas won that year's Junior race at 39.65mph. There were many other successes in competitions of every kind. By virtue of its pioneering engine layout, the Douglas ran more smoothly than many of its competitors. Demand for it was brisk and, by the standards of the time, the company soon became a major British manufacturer producing over 12,000 motorcycles before the end of 1914. Robust, lively and easily maintained, the Douglas was a logical choice for use by British Army despatch riders in the First World War. There was a recruiting campaign to find experienced riders and the War Office placed very large orders, Douglas producing over 25,000 machines before the Armistice ended hostilities in 1918.
Into the vintage period Douglas continued to produce their now renowned 'flat-tank' horizontal twin, but as the 1920s progressed it was beginning to look a little outdated. A new model 'EW' was launched at the Olympia show in 1925 and was intended to take advantage of the tax concessions for lighter, sub-200lb-weight machines. Designed by Cyril Pullin and clearly aesthetically a basic evolution of its predecessor, it was technically better owing to its all-chain drive and improved larger drum brakes. Naturally its power unit was a flat-twin, but for the EW it had a fixed head side-valve with outside flywheel, the gearbox now being mounted behind the rear cylinder. Lubrication came by hand and mechanical oil pumps, while ignition was by BTH magneto. In keeping with the fashion of the day, an elongated triangular fuel tank was now fitted mirroring the bowed frame line, but necessitating an unusual feature of the gearchange fitting through the centre of the tank. Initially the EW showed some teething troubles which Douglas quickly resolved, and by the late 1920s the model was to achieve moderate success in trials and competition.
The EW we offer for sale appears to conform to correct specification, and is an example of an older restoration. Its paintwork is generally good and the Nickel brightwork has clearly been refurbished in recent years. It is complete with front headlight and generator. Little is known of the early history of the motorcycle, but it has resided in the present ownership for approximately 10 years.
Special notice
Christie's charges a Buyer's premium calculated at 20.825% of the hammer price for each lot with a value up to €110,000. If the hammer price of a lot exceeds €110,000 then the premium for the lot is calculated at 20.825% of the first €110,000 plus 11.9% of any amount in excess of €110,000. Buyer's Premium is calculated on this basis for each lot individually