The James Cycle Company Ltd of Greet, Birmingham was founded in 1880 by Harry James and was, therefore, a well-established manufacturer of both pedal cycles and motor cycles when it introduced its model J18 autocycle for the 1938 season. The early version had a small fuel tank, no springing and no engine covers; inverted levers were used for the brakes. Like all of James's machines at the time, a Villiers engine powered it.

The autocycle continued for 1939 as model K18 and at a price of 18 gns [£18.90]. A tradesman's version was also available. For 1940 it became the L18 and was joined by a deluxe version: the L20. This used the new Villiers Junior de Luxe engine instead of the Junior and also had the luxury of engine covers.

The James factory was very busy during World War II. Although this production was mainly armaments and aircraft fittings, motor cycles were still being produced. Over 6,000 lightweight motor cycles were supplied to the armed forces. The autocycle too was still being made in limited numbers; these machines were probably supplied to civians undertaking essential war work. The factory was bombed and very badly damaged in December 1940. It was completely rebuilt within three months; however, nearly all of the company's archive material was lost in the bombing.

After the war the autocycle was re-introduced and given the name “Superlux” - at a price of £53 6s 10d [£53.34] for 1948. It continued until 1949 when it was replaced by a new, Villiers 2F powered model. Both models were exhibited at the 1948 Earls Court Show, the new one being given the “Superlux” name and the older model becoming the “Standard”. The Standard model was soon dropped from the range. The new Superlux continued until 1953.

Bike	Image	Description
1914 James		600cc.
1915 James 4 1/2 hp, 600cc		This 4 ½ HP (86x103) is equipped with full chain drive and 3 speed James gearbox. A new feature for the 1915 model 4 ½ HP was the gear change lever that was positioned through a slot in the petrol tank instead of at the side of the tank This machine spent a large part of its life in Belgium, which might indicate it’s an ex- army machine. Technically good, externally not restored.
1918 James Model 6, 600cc
1920 James Light Solo, 225cc		The two stroke models had bore and stroke of 64x70 mm, giving 225 cc. In the early twenties the bore was widened to 66 mm, giving a capacity of 239 cc. A 2 speed James gearbox is employed. Weight is only about 150 pounds. A nice example of vintage British two stroke technology.
1923 James, 600cc
1923 James Model 12 500ccm V-Twin
1925 James 350cc
1937 James I17
1942 James ML 125		Know as the Mechanical or Clockwork Mouse
1946 James 122ML		Engine - Villiers 9D 122cc, two-stroke single cylinder Gears - 3 speed hand shift on tank Power - 3 1/2 hp Weight - 150 lbs Note; This model is shod with original 1945 Dunlop Universal tyres Top Speed - 40Mph
1947 James ML		Villiers 9D two stroke engine.
1949 James Autocycle 98cc
1949 James Autocycle with 98cc Villiers engine
1951 James Auto-Cycle
1951 James Captain 197cc		Engine - Villiers Gears - 3 speed Bore - 59mm Stroke - 72
1953 James Comet		98cc.
1953 James Comet
1956 James Cadet, 147cc
1955 James Villiers
1955 James Captain		197cc
1955 James Cadet J15
1956 James Colonel		Powered by villiers 225cc 1H two stroke engine.
1957 James Colonel		225cc.
James 200 Captain 1958
1960 James Commodore, 250cc
1961 James 250 Comodore
1962 James Captain, 197cc
1962 James Captain, 197cc
1962 James Sports Captain, 199cc
1964 James Superswift		250cc, 18 Bhp.
1964 James Sports Captain L20 199cc
James M16

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