MAKE & MODEL: Calthorpe Jap

REGISTRATION: AH4968

YEAR: 1915

COLOUR: Orange/Black

ENGINE SIZE: 269cc JAP

FRAME NO: 2031A

ENGINE NO: 8068

DOCUMENTS: Old and current V5C, Oldstyle continuation log book (1956), Old DVLA Paperwork, Useful information regarding re-commissioning and gearbox details.

Manufacturedby the Minstrel & Rea Cycle Company, of Birmingham, the first Calthorpe motorcycle appeared in 1909 powered by a 3½hp White & Poppe engine. The following year there were no fewer than six Calthorpe models displayed at the Motor Cycle Show at Olympia, some of which featured an 'free' engine clutch and two-speed gear. Precision-engined models, including a 5/6hp v-twin, joined the line-up a few years later together with an overhead-valve Tourist Trophy model. By 1914 the range had shrunk to just two lightweights: a 269cc JAP and 243cc Peco-powered two-strke.

This rare Calthorpe-JAP has successfully participated in the Banbury Run and several runs in Hampshire. Like many machines of its era, the Calthorpe must be push-started after each stop; it does, however, afford the convenience of a Royal Enfield two-speed gear in the bottom bracket. It should be noted that the date of first registration is recorded as 1st January 1921, this being shortly after the introduction of the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each (many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing). Running and ready to go.

E & O E