Lot 418: c.1922 Excelsior 147cc Ladies Model

Like most other pioneers of Britain�s motorcycle industry Excelsior fitted European manufacturers� proprietary engines at first, before turning to home-produced power plants - mainly Villiers, JAP, and Blackburne. Acquired by R Walker & Sons in 1919, Excelsior moved from Coventry to Birmingham. The Walkers believed in the value of racing for development and publicity, and the revitalised company was soon making its mark in competition, early successes including a number of World Records set at Brooklands by Tony Worters on 250cc and 350cc JAP-engined machines in 1926. Excelsior offered a diverse range of machines in numerous different capacities during the 1920s, this early Ladies Model being powered by the 147cc Villiers Mark VI-C engine. Acquired from the Sharp Collection in 2005 and restored to working order for museum display, the engine being overhauled in the process, it has been used only on �open days� within the grounds of a private estate. Offered without reserve.