Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1936 Douglas Aero
Estimate
£3, 000 - £4, 000
Registration No: JU 7274
Frame No: AE385
MOT: Exempt
Formerly sold by us in project condition in 2017
Sympathetically refreshed and rejuvenated by 2021
A truly unusual post-vintage machine which would be a head-turner at rallies
The 600cc Douglas Aero came into being as the motorcycle maker was in the midst of being taken over by the British Aircraft Company (not to be confused with the later British Aircraft Corporation) in June, 1935. A new company called Aero Engines Ltd. was set up to take over the factory, but no aero engine contracts were immediately forthcoming, and the takeover was supposedly reflected in the new model name. Along with a typical Douglas sidevalve flat-twin, the Aero used a four-speed hand gear-change and, as a 600, was naturally suited to pulling sidecars.
This beautiful 1936 Aero first crossed the H&H auction block in 2017, when we sold it as a somewhat scruffy example which had been off the road for some time. By 2021, it had been sympathetically refurbished but not over-restored, and was then reported to run well at 45-55mph, with a smooth clutch and precise gears. A very rare and unusual machine, it still looks wonderful, with the light patina that so well becomes pre-war motorcycles, and would surely be a welcome sight at vintage motorcycle rallies such as the Banbury Run and the Graham Walker Memorial Run. It is supplied with the current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
