1950 Cyclemaster 25.7 cc. Registration number 852 UXD (non-t...

Hammer

£500

1950 Cyclemaster 25.7 cc. Registration number 852 UXD (non-transferable). Frame number TBC. Engine number 572.
The Cyclemaster motorised wheel started life with a group of German engineers, post WWII, who worked for HNG in the Hague, as an engine that went above the front wheel. This was too expensive to produce but it was developed into a motorised rear wheel and went into production in November 1949. Due to the German engineers being considered prisoners of war the blue prints were confiscated by the Interpro Buro, a joint English, American and French organisation set up to help the post war Dutch industry and sent to the UK for copying.
The English version was manufactured at the EMI factories in Hayes, Middlesex and marketed by a new company called Cyclemaster Ltd from June 1950, with initially a 25.7 cc (black) engine and then a 32 cc (silver) one from November 1951. In the late 1950's with increases in purchase tax and competition from the new mopeds on the market, sales dwindled and finally ceased in 1961.
This early example bears the retailers badge of H.C. Wheeler, Cycle Specialist and was originally registered as HBL 556. It is in good order and comes with a 1955 tax disc, Olympic seat and V5C.