1955 Douglas 348cc Dragonfly, Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 1866/6 Engine no. 2446/6/2

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
1955 Douglas 348cc Dragonfly
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. 1866/6
Engine no. 2446/6/2
The first Douglas motorcycles were produced in 1907, and based on the fore-and-aft twin cylinder design of the Fairy motorcycle concern which had been unsuccessful under the leadership of John Barter. Barter teamed up with William Douglas, and brought his expertise to the production of the new Douglas machine. The horizontally opposed twin was to remain the mainstay of Douglas manufacture for the remainder of their time making motorcycles, until the last ones in 1957.

After the war, Douglas resumed production with a side-to-side twin, the T35. This was eventually superseded by the 'Mark' series of machines, and finally, in 1954, by the Dragonfly, the final manifestation of the Douglas motorcycle, featuring leading-link forks, coil ignition, and futuristic styling. Said to handle well, the brakes suffered some criticism.

1866/6 is part of a private collection, and appears to be an older restoration, now mellowing. It has been updated with a Mikuni carburettor, and Boyer Bransden electronic ignition, but otherwise appears relatively standard. There are no documents or keys with this machine, which will require safety checks and re-commissioning, and is sold strictly as viewed. We have no knowledge of its mechanical condition, except that the engine turns over. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the age, completeness and originality of the machine prior to bidding.