Do you think electric motorcycles are a recent innovation? It is not going to be. It is legendary Douglas of 1922, which we bring you this time and that was manufactured in Bristol (England), was transformed into an electric motorcycle in 1942. Yes, long before the current revolution of electric mobility. Now, this historical piece will be auctioned in May in the prestigious auction house Iconic auctix.
During World War II, the rationing of gasoline in the United Kingdom led to creative solutions for personal transport. And in this context, the Mr. Pidcock of Peterborough converted this Douglas Internal combustion on a totally electric motorcycle, making it one of the first registered in the country with this configuration.
Characteristics of the 1942 electric douglas
Originally, this Douglas HP It was equipped with an opposite air -cooled bicylindrical engine. However, and after its conversion, it now incorporates three batteries of six volts each, offering different levels of performance. As data, the electrical settings allowed to select between: 6 V for a minimum energy output, 1 2V for greater power, or 18 V when connecting the three batteries in series, providing maximum performance.
According to the records of the time, when I was completely loaded and without the lights on, this Douglas Electric could circulate all day at a maximum speed of 29 km/h. But be careful, it also stood out for its efficiency, with a consumption of nine miles per cent of the time. Here the conversion goes out of hand, but we sensed that it is and was quite little money.
The motorcycle remains almost in its original state since its conversion in 1942. according to Mark Bryanof Iconic auctix: «The motorcycle is exactly as it was in 1942. It has been owned by the same owner during the last 15 years and would be perfect for a museum. It is a fascinating piece of the history of motorcycles«.
To support its authenticity, the sale will include a copy of the period magazine Cycling motor June 1942, which presented an article on this same motorcycle at the time. In addition, extensive historical documentation will be delivered, including an old RF60 registration book, letters of the time, a wiring diagram and correspondence with Douglas.
Although the motorcycle retains much of its original structure, some pieces, such as the rear crown, have undergone modifications over time. Of course, having been inactive for several years, you will need new batteries and a review before circulating again.
For those lucky ones who wish to get this historical machine, the Douglas It will be auctioned on May 4 at the prestigious Spring event of Shuttleworth, which will take place at Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire (UK).
This Douglas is not only a testimony of the technical ingenuity of the time, but also a sample of how the need can boost innovation, even long before the modern era of electric vehicles.
As a curiosity, it is currently the only electric motorcycle in a list of 47 lots, which also include classics such as a Harley-Davidson Wl Flat-Head of 1941, one KAWASAKI GPZ750 TURBO 1984 or a Honda VFR750R RC30 of 1991.
