• Starts and rides perfectly – even after 100+ years
The Appeal
Founded back in 1882 the Douglas Engineering Company started life as a blacksmith shop with some foundry work to follow later.
By the First World War Douglas had progressed into the exciting new world of motorcycles. Supplying around 70,000 motorcycles for military use, the Douglas 2 ¾ hp model U was particularly favoured by the pioneering pilots of the Royal Flying Corps.
This example is believed to have seen military service with the Royal Flying Corps, however, we cannot comment on which side of the channel it saw service on.
Handed back to Douglas after the war it is first registered for the road in 1920, so it has been on the UK roads for just over 100 years now and still running like new. This Douglas offers you the chance to experience a time gone by. With such an interesting story to tell it is a brilliant bike.
As summer is on the horizon now is the best time to look into a vintage bike, and with the Banbury Run only round the corner, this Douglas should be a perfect candidate for your collection.
Back in 1914, the world of motorcycle design was a completely different world from the hi-tech compute designed of modern-day machines.
Back then motorcycles were more like bicycles, sitting on modified frames. This Douglas reflects this design ethos and today, 100 years on from its production, it sits resplendent in the mid-afternoon sunshine.
Looking at what could be construed as the interior section of this Douglas we can see that it is a perfect example of an extremely rare bike. It is thought that this bike has been through a restoration at some point in its life, but not within the past few decades.
The leather seat looks in great condition and rather comfortable with springs set underneath it to help aid comfort, just remember that roads back in 1914 were nowhere near as smooth as they are today. The running boards for your feet are also in really good condition showing little to no signs of wear.
Before all of the modern-day computers that control almost all of motorcycles running, the rider was much more involved with the running of the bike. Running through physical cables from the switches/toggles on the handlebars, it is an incredibly engaging ride.
Elements that you would say are more to do with the exterior, such as the tank, engine compartment, and wheels are also all present in brilliant condition. With the tank proudly wearing its Douglas name.
Overall the general look and condition of this bike is near perfect, having been looked after properly by the current and previous owners it is now set for another 100 years on the world's roads.
• An original style and rebuild magneto will come with her
The Douglas 2 ¾ hp Model U was built with a flat-twin 350cc engine, with the valves placed side-by-side on the side of the engine. The little unit with her two-speed gearbox is able to push this bike down the road at some considerable speed considering her age.
This bike still runs like the day it left the Douglas brothers factory in 1914, built with no clutch she does take some getting used to it, but built with purposefully low compression it is easy to get her going when you want to go for a vintage adventure.
Within the paperwork we can see that the engine was changed in 1961, however, it was swapped with an even older unit than the bike itself, so it is still a genuine Douglas engine.
On the day the photos were taken this bike was started and taken for a run down the road. Firing up easily it runs up and down the road comfortably, it should provide no nasty surprises when out and about.
With vintage motorcycle rides such as the Pioneer Run and Banbury Run rapidly approaching this bike will provide you with the best steed to take part in these exclusive events.
Stirring up nostalgia from a time gone by this 100-year-old Douglas is beautifully presented for sale. With a Pioneer certificate present, it is eligible for that very famous vintage motorcycle run, it is also eligible for the Banbury run which is quickly approaching.
If you have ever looked at vintage motorcycles and wanted to experience the thrills of pre-war riding, then this is the perfect example. With many enthusiastic owners over its life, it has been looked after properly and is now running as well as the day it left the factory in 1914.
Don’t miss out on this vintage Douglas, it is an excellent addition to anyone’s collection.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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More about buying with us
1914 Douglas 2 ¾ hp Model U
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