Description
The bike had two owners before me. The first rode it for two years clocking up 7000 miles but steering head issues led to the bike being laid up until a friend bought it intending to restore it. He became too busy to take it on so sold it to me in 1995. I commenced the full restoration while redundant and looking for work. I know it's taken a long time but the bike is now fully restored (see more detail below). I think it looks much better than the original. Years ago my everyday ride was a Panther Model 45 (same engine) and it was a delight to ride with loads of torque and surprisingly good handling. Once run in the Villiers 3T is a prime candidate for tuning. I can advise on how to do thisPanther Model 50 Grand Sports
Villiers 3T engine, known as a 350 its actually 325 cc. Used in many British two strokes, James, Greeves, Excelsior, F Barnet etc. Originally registered in 1966. This is one of only some 237 ever sold. Successful over many years with their famous sloper heavyweights, Panther also sold many two strokes, notably with the 250cc 2T engine. This was P & M's attempt at a faster middleweight, with more pulling power. It has the heavyweight forks, plus 8" brakes front and rear, Originally had a unique valanced front mudguard and ‘parrot’s beak’ rear enclosure. These machines were never common and this is one of very few survivors.
I bought the bike in 1995 as a wreck with a seized engine and no rear fairing nor front mudguard. I originally intended to restore to as built standard but decided that, as It would be nigh on impossible to get a replacement front mudguard, I would mildly customise her a la Model 35 Sports.
She is now fully restored including a total respray in Model 45 red (much nicer than the original devil red). Engine rebuilt by Villiers services (including, recently, new crankshaft seals and flywheel re-magnetised), re-built wheels with stainless spokes, new tyres and recently MoT’d, even though at her age she doesn’t need to be.
She was only taxed and on the road for two years originally before steering head bearing problems forced her to be laid up. Hence a genuine 7K miles on the speedo. Now fixed with new case-hardened races and new ball bearings.
These bikes only come up for sale very rarely. There is one on Car and Classics listed at £5500. I am looking for £4750 ono for my unique specimen.
Bob Barton
