Beschreibung:

1936 Douglas 245cc Aero Registration no. not registered Frame no. AD323D Engine no. 25/B436 The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry took up motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed, twin-cylinder engine, and the company would keep faith with this layout until it ceased motorcycle production in 1957. Douglas's continuing financial difficulties resulted in the Bristol concern being acquired by the British Aircraft Company in 1935 and reformed as Aero Engines Ltd. Most of the motorcycle tooling was sold off and production of the predominantly flat-twin-powered range was continued by London-based dealers Pride & Clarke Ltd using the existing stock of parts, all of these models being prefixed 'Aero' regardless of engine capacity. To the delight of Douglas devotees everywhere, this policy did not last long and in 1937 the 'Aero' name was abandoned. Offered here is an example of the 245cc Aero, a sidevalve-engined model that had first appeared for 1934 as the Model Y and for 1935 was renamed the Comet 5Y. The smallest four-stroke in the range, it was produced for only three years and is one of the rarest of pre-war Douglas motorcycles. An older restoration, the machine was last taxed for the road in March 1981 and is offered without documents. Fußnoten As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.