New Imperial 1937 Model 76 Standard 500 cc 1 cyl ohv

SOLD

Description

 New Imperial   1937   499 cc ohv  “ Model 76 “      frame#   37/33504/ R engine # 47/41664/76

 

After a rather unsuccessful attempt to enter the motorcycle market under the name “ Imperial” in 1901, the  company made a serious comeback in 1910 under the name “ New Imperial” and managed to stay in business till 1939. 
At first only  a few models were offered, 293 cc side valve single and  8 hp twins, all with JAP engines. 
New Imps got the image of  “middle of the road”  machines, offering good  value for money. In the early twenties the company, based in Hall Green, Birmingham, became more and more active in racing and  year by year more models were marketed, to expand the market share in the years in which competition between motorcycle manufacturers was fierce.
Till 1926 JAP proprietary engines were used, after that their own engines were built in. 
In 1927 some 19 different models were available. In the early thirties the model range was shrunk.    
In 1936 the lightweight TT was won  and as a result all 1937 models got the famous unit construction engine; the design was changed  in that there were separate compartments now  within the unit for engine and gearbox. 
This well restored machine has a four speed gearbox of New Imp manufacture.