A to Z Reference

Ariel Square Four was remarkable and remains sought after Ariel 1902 (1898)-70 UK Some enthusiasts joke that the name Ariel can be traced back to the invention of the wheel. Well, not quite, but in 1870 James Starley and William Hillman jointly patented a lightweight wheel with tensioned wire spokes calling it the Ariel, after…

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1905 Triumph 5hp classic motorcycle Triumph 1902–present UK For over a century Triumph as a brand has weathered recessions, two world wars, bombing and a number of changes of ownership. Today, guided by property developer John Bloor, Triumph continues to build stylish motorcycles which once again enjoy a dedicated following. Over the past century Triumph…

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Rex’s tricar was popular between 1903 and 1906 Rex and Rex Acme 1900-33 UK Modern history books tell us Rex began with tricar and car production at Birmingham in 1899 then acquired new premises at Osborne Road, Earlsdon, Coventry in 1900 and first exhibited a motorcycle at the year’s National Show at Crystal Palace, London.…

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New Imperial 146cc Unit Minor New Imperial 1901-03 and 1911-39 UK Myths, myths and even more myths form part of the history of many marques, including one of my favoured brands, New Imperial. Thanks to Australian enthusiast Chas Lipscombe’s excellent and extensive book, New Imperial Motorcycles, the myths have been laid to rest. In promotional…

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Star of the 1908 Stanley Show, the PL Renouf designed James Safety with for the first time a James engine Jackson-Rotrax 1949-66 UK Superb 500cc JAP-engined speedway machines by Alec Jackson. Many were adapted for grasstrack using a variety of engines. Still active and a choice motorcycle for vintage grasstrack and speedway. Jamathi 1962-77 Holland…

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1974 rotary-engined DKW W2000 DKW 1919-81 Germany From the late Twenties until WWII, DKW was the most influential two-stroke motorcycle maker in the world. They pioneered the loop scavenge principle, which utilised crankcase compression, employed ‘supercharging’ pistons and, later, rotary valve induction on their racers. They were for many years the world’s largest volume motorcycle…

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Ambassador Popular 197cc, built from 1950-55 AJW 1926-77 UK Financed by his family’s printing works, Arthur Jack Wheaton (Jack) built two Anzani powered motorcycles in 1926, followed by a four cylinder version for the 1928 London Motorcycle Show. Production of Anzani and JAP powered V-twins began in 1929 then singles with JAP and Blackburne engines…

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John Tickle with his dohc racer, the T5 Thorough c1902-03 UK Pioneer assembler that used a small range of proprietary engines. One well known survivor with a Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate was recently offered on the UK market. Tickle c1967-73 UK John Tickle established himself in the sporting motorcycle accessory market with a range of…

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1920 10hp Reading Standard – with electric lights! Ravat 1900 (1898)-1954 France Established business whose enterprises included cycles from Usines de Monthieux, Saint-Etienne. Entered the motorcycle market by fitting pioneer clip-on kits to its sturdy cycles, although exact production start-date is unclear. Progressed to earn a sound reputation for well-made, quality machines in the 100…

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Ner-a-Car 350cc sidevalve (Blackburne engine) Nassetti 1951-57 Italy Accessory maker Ettore Nassetti, who during the early to mid-1950s built friction drive cycle attachments, which were also supplied mounted in suitable frames. He went on to design and build 49cc mopeds including the Sery and Dilly, using both tubular and pressed steel frames. Neander 1924-29 Germany…

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