1929 Douglas Model EW 350cc
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- The recipient of a cosmetic restoration to a brilliantly high standard
- The engine is in lovely condition but does not run, so will be a great project for weekends
- Eligible for the Banbury Run
- Offered for sale from one of the finest collections of classic British motorcycles in the country
The Background
Although the Douglas name disappeared from the motorcycling world in 1957, in earlier years it was a force to be reckoned with. Founded by William Douglas, its first machines rolled out of its Bristol works in 1907 and by 1912 they were running in the Isle of Man T.T. as serious contenders for victory; a small Douglas twin won the Junior race in that year.
The unusual horizontal arrangement of the cylinders helped the Douglas gain a reputation for smooth running, and by 1914 it had risen to become one of Britain’s foremost manufacturers, with over 12,000 bikes made during the final year of peace. Conflict did not harm Douglas too much, though, as the War Office ordered 25,000 of its motorcycles for despatch riders.
Having proved its worth in both the field of sport and the field of war, the Douglas 350 horizontal-twin continued to sell well into the 1920s, although the retention of its old flat tank was making it look slightly dated. The answer arrived in 1925 in the form of the Model EW, designed by Cyril Pullin. Light enough to qualify for the tax concessions made for bikes weighing under 200 lbs., it only needed very minor changes to bring it fully up to date.
The more modern, sloping tank was obvious, but its specification was improved thanks to all-chain drive and larger drum brakes. The EW built on Douglas’s existing reputation for smooth, fast and efficient bikes, and by the end of the 1920s quite a number of them were experiencing success in races and trials.
The History
Little is known of this bike’s history except that it carries one of the earliest London ‘UL’ registrations. A sticker suggests it participated in an event commemorating the Douglas centenary in 2007. A former owner restored it in quite recent years to a very high standard, but never got round to making the engine run. The vendor, a longstanding motorcycle enthusiast and collector, acquired it in 2016. Since its acquisition it has occupied garage space alongside some of the finest names in British motorcycling from the 1920s to the present.
As a true enthusiast with the fullest appreciation of the motorcycles he owns, the owner enjoys riding all his machines and keeps them running like clockwork. Unfortunately, the Douglas is the sole exception, so it is sold as a light project for the next owner.
The vendor retains an attachment to all his bikes, but the decision to start a new life in Sweden means the collection has to be sold.
The Paperwork
This Douglas has no paperwork besides its current V5. Although a plate is not affixed to the bike in the photographs, it is supplied with a plate carrying its number UL 521.
The Condition
Being essentially fresh from restoration, in the sense that it has not been ridden since, this Douglas looks like one of the very best from all angles. The restoration has evidently been completed to the highest standard, and everything from the paint down to the bare metalwork looks astounding. If it weren’t for a few small blisters appearing under the surface of the paint on the fuel tank and some very small chips here and there, we would find it virtually impossible to fault.
We suspect the Terry seat has been recovered in the past, although it has now acquired something of an aged charm. Some of the bare metal has a patina so light as to be almost imperceptible. Apart from the fact that one of the handlebar grips is split, there is not a component on this bike which is in anything less than fantastic condition.
The Mechanics
Evidently, the mechanical parts were not overlooked during the bike’s restoration, as the overall cleanliness of everything shows. It is not often one comes across a flywheel or a carburettor looking so polished and immaculate. Unfortunately, for all that it’s a feast for the eyes, the engine never quite got to the point where it would run.
With that in mind, the new owner will be taking on a project, but since the restoration involved so much care and attention to detail, we doubt that there is likely to be anything wrong with the engine in a major way, and a few weekends should probably allow sufficient time to find and remedy the fault.
Since it has not run for a several years, a check of the brakes and a general recommissioning would be advised.
The Appeal
Vintage-era motorcycling appeals for many reasons, it being perhaps the purest way of enjoying a motorcycle, and a Vintage Douglas appeals in particular. The small horizontal V-twin makes it a bike quite unlike all its rivals in the 350cc class. Smooth and quick, with an impressive record of competition successes, it really represents Vintage motorcycling at its very best.
This Douglas would be an ideal project for the mechanically-minded buyer. As you can see, it asks for nothing whatsoever cosmetically, just a sympathetic pair of hands to help breathe some life into the engine again. It shouldn’t take too long, so you might even get it done in plenty of time for the summer show and rally season.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1929
- Make Douglas
- Model EW
- Colour Silver and Black
- Odometer 0
- Engine size 348
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
38
bids
- Ma•••• £7,000 08/03/22
- DM•••• £6,900 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £6,800 08/03/22
- DM•••• £6,700 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £6,600 08/03/22
- DM•••• £6,500 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £6,400 08/03/22
- DM•••• £6,300 08/03/22
- Ma•••• £6,200 08/03/22
- DM•••• £6,100 08/03/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.