Beschreibung:

The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry took up motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed twin, and the company would keep faith with this engine layout until it ceased motorcycle production in 1957. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity, and the design’s virtues were soon demonstrated in competition, Douglas machines taking first, second and fourth places in the 1912 Junior TT in the Isle of Man. Douglas were quick realise the advantages of the countershaft gearbox, its three-speed entries gaining the Team Prize in the 1914 Six Days Trial, a conspicuous success which resulted in the firm obtaining a wartime contract for the supply of military machines. This Vintage-era Douglas has the sidevalve engine of fixed-head type with outside flywheel, coupled to the two-speed transmission. In ‘barn find’ condition when purchased by the vendor in 1974, the machine had been off the road since before WW2. Local vehicle licensing records later revealed that in pre-war days it had belonged to one James Cumberland Hose, of Melton Mowbray. A long term restoration project, ‘CT 5960’ was back on the road by the late 1990s although some minor details, such as re-plating of brightwork, have yet to be attended to. On completion the machine was used for the 1998/99 season only, taking in a couple of local runs, and remains in very good condition. An ideal ‘Banbury’ bike, it is offered with old-style continuation logbook (issued 1974), weight certificate, SORN, expired MoT (September 1999) and Swansea V5C registration document.