This long-lived firm was founded in 1910 by William and Edward Douglas, two former blacksmiths, in Bristol. After a successful endurance test from John P'Groats to Land's End (39 hours 40 mins) the Douglas achieved almost instantaneous popularity and by 1911 200 men were employed at the Kingswood works. The Douglas flourished in the 1920s and 1930s and was a great favourite with speedway riders; the marque survived until 1956.
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Description |
1912 Douglas N, 350cc |
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Douglas, renowned for the quality and reliability of their
machines, presented this model N in 1912.
It is equipped
with chain drive to a countershaft and secondary belt drive.
The horizontally opposed twin has been improved by the
addition of mechanically operated intake valves (up to and
including 1911 the intake valves had been automatic).
The improvements were crowned by a victory in the 1912 Junior TT
Race.
Starting is by means of pedals; the rear wheel is equipped with a free wheel.
Gear ratio of this single speed machine is 5½ : 1. |
1920 Douglas W20, 348cc |
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This 1920 model is equipped with clutch, kick starter and 3 speed gear. It has a quite a few accessories, such as handlebar mounted watch, speedometer, full Lucas acetylene lighting, leather kneepads, protective shield under crankcase, holder for spare spark plugs and round leather case for spare tube or belt. |
1922 Douglas 2 3/4 hp |
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| 1926 Douglas EW |
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- 4 stroke twin (fore 'n aft)
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- The brakes are 'servo' type and the clutch is housed in the external 'wheel' on the left hand side of the engine (runs at engine speed).
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1926 Douglas EW 350 ccm Flat-Twin
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1927 Douglas EW, 350cc |
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In 1925 the new E.W model was introduced; the engine was updated and the cycle parts were modernized, the main new feature being the attractive sloping petrol tank that replaced the flat parallel one used for so many years.
The gear change lever of the 3-speed gearbox was now operated through a slot in the tank.
The famous Douglas silver with blue panels colour scheme was retained and the new model attracted much attention at the Motor Cycle Show, another attractive feature being its modest price of £ 45.
The E.W. was immediately popular and continued with modifications for several years.
This E.W is in nicely restored condition. |
1928 Douglas DT, 494cc |
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This machine had no brakes or clutch, 3 speed gearbox , special frame, dual control twin carburettors and strengthened rear wheel construction, to name just a few dirt track specialities. Alcohol fuel and a 14:1 compression ratio made this a very fast machine. |
1928 Douglas SW5, 500cc |
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1931 Douglas F31, 500cc |
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1947 Douglas T35(Mk 1), 350cc |
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| 1952 Douglas Mk5 |
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350cc. |
| 1954 Douglas Mk4 |
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| 1954 Douglas Vespa Model G |
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125cc. |
Douglas Dragonfly - 1956 |
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Engine - 348cc, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke - 60.8 x 60 mm
Launched - 1953-1956
Weight - 365lb
Carburettor - Amal Monobloc
Top Speed - 75 mph |
1957 Douglas Dragonfly, 350cc |
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