P&M 1919 3½ hp 498 cc 1 cyl sv 3503

P&M 1919 3½ hp 498 cc side valve single frame # 6631 engine # 8140A
Phelon & Moore (P&M) was founded in Cleckheaton, South Yorkshire in 1904. Joah C. Phelon, partner with Harry Rayner in a small engineering business in that town, had built his first prototype motorcycle in 1900, the rights to which were bought by the Humber company.
Following Rayner’s untimely death in 1903 Phelon entered into a fresh partnership with Richard Moore.
Phelon’s first designs had featured engines with inclined cylinders forming part of the frame and this trademark arrangement was continued by the newly formed P&M.
One of the fledgling firm’s first developments was a two-speed primary gear consisting of a pair of chains and a selective clutch, which would remain a P&M feature into the early 1920s. Mainstay of production prior to WWI was a 3½hp single with bore x stroke dimensions of 84.5 x 88.9 mm. The design would be progressively developed, gaining magneto ignition, a contracting band rear brake, P&M’s own front fork and a mechanical inlet valve as the years passed.
By 1914 the rear chain was completely enclosed (standard models up to 1913 had no rear chain guard), the two speed gear was also fully protected by a closed cover and the front mudguarding had become more elaborate. When war broke out in August 1914, the 3½ hp P&M, which had been undergoing assessment by the War Office prior to the commencement of hostilities, was chosen as official motorcycle transport for the newly formed Royal Flying Corps. In October 1915 the Government took control of the company to maximize military production. During the war years many small improvements were made and by the time of the Armistice in November 1918 almost 3,400 P&Ms were in Service. On April 1st 1918 the RFC had merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the Royal Air Force. P&M’s Cleckheaton works continued to manufacture new RAF models until February 1920; by that time the new 1920 models were available with quite a few changes; a redesigned cylinder with large air space between the valve chamber and cylinder, enlarged valves, mechanical oil pump, new design of kick starter and spacious tool bags.
The machine we present has stood the test of time admirably: she comes in authentic, unrestored condition and is fitted with Lucas No. 454 acetylene front lamp, generator, bulb horn, Apex tyre pump and Vintage Motorcycle Club badge. An interesting detail is the tax disc, showing the machine was still in use in 1958, probably within the Vintage Motorcycle Club. The AL 5652 registration number refers to Nottinghamshire. The P&M is in running condition. New tyres have recently been mounted. The former owner informs us the engine internals are in excellent condition and show hardly any signs of wear.