Description

ABC  1921   398 cc OHV   twin  frame # 2420 engine #2437

The ABC, designed  by engineering genius Granville Bradshaw, was definitely years ahead of its time at its birth in 1919: transverse ohv twin, four speed gearbox, cradle frame, front and rear springing, drum brakes and incorporated leg shields are a number of  the machine’s modern features. 
A kick-starter, however, was seen as surplus to requirements because the machine was easily push-started.

Bradshaw produced a prototype of the machine within 3 weeks; the Sopwith aviation company produced the machine in an effort to keep the 3,500 strong workforce employed when the need for aircraft had diminished strongly after the end of the war in 1918.

Originally the selling price was set to 70 pounds, soon a price of 160 pounds became realistic

and later it became clear that any price under 300 pounds was bringing a loss to the manufacturer. 
So the price became too high, customers turned away and in 1921 the Sopwith factory closed down, after having made about 3,300 machines.

This innovative machine has been restored in the past and is now in matured oily rag condition.