1947 Excelsior Autobyk 98cc. Registration Number XKO 799A, F...

Hammer

£850

1947 Excelsior Autobyk 98cc. Registration Number XKO 799A, Frame Number 3689, Engine Number XXA42531.
Sold with V5C and Running Instructions book.
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 an extensive range of machines in numerous different capacities throughout the 1920's and 1930's, the 98cc Villiers-powered Autobyk being the smallest in the range on its introduction for 1938. The model resumed production after WW2 in 1946 and was originally offered with the 98cc Villiers Junior De Luxe. For 1947 it was joined by a version using the 98cc Excelsior Goblin which was quickly joined by a second Excelsior powered 98cc machine fitted with the single speed Sprite engine.
XKO features the 98cc Villiers engine. It started easily, and ran very well on test. It rode nicely around our car park. In good, attractive condition, and complete with wicker basket, it oozes charm and its negligible running cost, light weight and ease of use would make it a good choice for a motorhome.