Description
ABC ca 1921 398 cc OHV transverse twin frame # 1036 engine # 1519
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, centre stand 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, soon a price of £ 160 became realistic and later it turned out that any price under £300 was bringing a loss to the manufacturer. So the price had to become too high, customers turned away and in 1921 the Sopwith factory closed down, after about 3,300 machines had been made.
The machine has bore x stroke of 69 x 54 mm is fitted with Claudel-Hobson carburettor, Brooks saddle and 26 x 2 ½ tyres. According to the brochure the 2 ¼ gallon tank capacity is equivalent to about 250 miles.
This innovative ABC is complete and original but in need of restoration.