Martinsyde 1921 6 HP Series D 678cc 2 cyl EOI 3504

Martinsyde 1921 6 HP “ Series D” 678 cc exhaust-over-inlet V-twin frame # NO1080 engine # H1050

The British firm of Martinsyde was founded in 1908 when Helmuth Paul Martin and George Harris Handasyde went into partnership to build aircraft. By the end of WWI Martinsyde was Britain’s third largest aircraft manufacturer, occupying sites at Brooklands and Woking. Faced with a sharp downturn in demand for its products, the firm turned to motorcycle production at the war’s end, having acquired the rights to an exhaust-over-inlet engine, designed by Howard Newman, and an AJS gearbox. Problems caused by unsatisfactory frame components having been overcome, Martinsyde motorcycle production got properly underway in 1919. The company’s first machines, powered by Newman’s 678 cc 50 degree V-twin engine, were marketed as Martinsyde-Newman, which was abbreviated to simply Martinsyde after Newman’s departure. Smaller, single-cylinder models were added to the range and Martinsydes began to feature in competitions, achieving some successes at Brooklands and at the Scottish Six Days Trial. Sadly, a disastrous fire in 1922 destroyed part of the works and Martinsyde went into liquidation, its name and remaining stock being acquired by BAT. The last complete Martinsyde was sold in 1923 and, according to info from the Martinsyde Register, less than 40 are known to have survived.

The machine on offer comes with a continuation log book that shows she was first registered on January 25^th, 1922. Brian Walker from the Martinsyde Register informed the former owner that his machine was actually built in 1921 and was originally fitted with a flat tank. AO7304s history could be traced back to 1940, when she was displayed in a private museum collection in the North of England. During rebuilding in 1992 by Weedon Restorations a round tank was fitted. This type of tank was new for 1922 and made for a more handsome look. Our Martinsyde has been professionally restored and is in fine overall condition. She comes with ML magneto, Amac carburettor, AJS-type gearbox, Brampton Biflex spring forks, Brooks saddle and huge leather-fronted toolboxes. A Best & Lloyd mechanical oil pump with auxiliary hand pump take care of lubrication and the rear chain is fully enclosed.