Lot 163: 1962 Francis-Barnett 199cc Falcon

Founded by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett in 1919, Francis-Barnett became part of Associated Motor Cycles in 1947 and was joined there in 1951 by James. The two marques’ model ranges became ever more similar until the transfer of Francis-Barnett production to the James factory in 1962 ushered in an era of unashamed ‘badge engineering’. Francis-Barnett concentrated on the production of lightweight two-strokes powered by Villiers engines at first, though from 1957 AMC’s own engine was fitted to many models, including the Falcon 87. This restored example of the latter is believed original apart from its non-standard tail lamp. Recently (July 2006) exhibited at the Rye Classic Bike Show, it comes with participant’s badge and tool bag containing rear rack stays and mirror. Currently taxed and MoT’d, the machine is offered with Swansea V5.