Lot 255: 1920 Acme 8hp Motorcycle Combination

Acme is best remembered for its association with the Rex concern; both firms had premises in Osborne Road, Coventry, Rex setting up there in 1899 and Acme a few years later. Unlike its close neighbour, which built motor cars and tricycles as well as motorcycles, the Coventry Acme Motor Company Limited, to give it its full name, was only ever a motorcycle manufacturer, its first machines being powered by the ubiquitous Minerva engine. Models fitted with Acme’s own engines followed, as well as others with JAP power units. The firm filed patents covering a number of innovations in motorcycle design in its early days, including one for a sprung frame in 1916. For the 1920 season, by which time it had been taken over by Rex, Acme introduced an 8hp motorcycle combination powered by a JAP v-twin engine. The latter was supplied to Acme’s specification complete with magneto drive taken from the left side of the engine rather than the ‘timing’ side, as was usually the case with JAP motors, an arrangement that facilitated access to the ignition points. A Sturmey Archer gearbox, Brampton Biflex forks, folding footplates and an Amac carburettor completed the specification of what was an undeniably handsome motorcycle combination. Acme’s days as an independent brand were numbered however, and from 1921 onwards the two firms’ ranges were unified under the ‘Rex-Acme’ name.
Previously registered ‘BW 3553’, this rare survivor of an historic Coventry marque was purchased in 1985 via the late Brian Verrall, having been in single family ownership for the preceding ten years. Used only for a limited time immediately following acquisition, the Acme has been carefully stored since then. Photographs on file suggest that the fuel tank has been repainted, though to what extent the rest of the combination may have been restored is not known. Offered with old-style continuation logbook and Swansea V5C, the machine will require sympathetic re-commissioning before returning to the road.