Charter-Lea Classic
Bikes
Early in the motorcycle field, this
firm not only made a number of different models but
supplied a wide range of frame fittings that helped
embryo firms get into production. In the early 1920s
they tried to change their touring image into a sporties
one and employed talented tuner Dougal Marchant as
development engineer. He converted an ohv Blackburne
engine to overhead camshaft and it became the first
350cc to exceed 100mph. Later, Marchant set a World
Record Flying Kilometre for 350cc and 500cc motorcycles
at 102.9mph for the firm, though the engine was his
special and not the later face cam Charter-Lea engine.
Few sports Charter-Lea models were sold but the firm
was saved by winning the contract to supply AA Patrol
sidecar outfits - 800 in total.
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
| 1903 Charter-Lea 350cc |
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|
| 1926 Charter-Lea 545cc |
 |
|
| 1923 Charter-Lea outfit |
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|
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| |
