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Lot #19 - Circa 1912/13 Speedwell 3½ HP 499cc Abingdon King Dick - Rare British Abingdon King Dick sold by Bennett & Wood in Sydney as a Speedwell prior to WW1

  • Auction House:
    Donington Auctions
  • Sale Name:
    Collectors' Motorcycles & Cars (New South Wales)
  • Sale Date:
    12 Dec 2021 ~ 12noon (AEDT)
  • Lot #:
    19
  • Lot Description:
    Circa 1912/13 Speedwell 3½ HP 499cc Abingdon King Dick - Rare British Abingdon King Dick sold by Bennett & Wood in Sydney as a Speedwell prior to WW1
    Founded in Birmingham, England, in 1856, Abingdon Engineering began by making variety of goods, including gear boxes, chains, tools, and cycles. By the turn of the century Birmingham was on its way to becoming the epicentre of the nascent English motorcycle industry, and in 1903 Abingdon branched out into motorcycles. From 1894 to 1975, around 100 motorcycle manufacturers came and went in Birmingham, including the Abingdon King Dick. Initially Abingdon used engines supplied by Fafnir, Kerry, Minerva and MMC, but after a couple of years they began to produce their own unit. While the motorcycles were produced under the Abingdon name until 1925, the engine's magneto cover included a "King Dick" logo and Bulldog head. Named after the company owner's show winning bulldog, the King Dick Bulldog was seen as symbolic of British tenacity and strength of character. From 1925 until 1933 Abingdon motorcycles were sold as AKD, or Abingdon King Dick. The Abingdon pushrod-operated side-valve 500cc single cylinder engine was simply known as the "3½ horsepower." As most bikes at that time used an atmospheric intake valve, relying on the vacuum created by the piston's down stroke to open the valve, the pushrod operation was unusual. Carburetion was by a unique Brown and Barlow with adjustable main jets and ignition by Bosch. While the bicycle-style frame, 26-inch wheels, direct belt drive and acetylene lighting were standard fare for motorcycles of the early twentieth century, the Abingdon front suspension was unique. If they had any suspension at all, motorcycles of the day used semi-elliptical springs but the Abingdon created their own front suspension system. The "Abingdon Spring Fork" was much more sophisticated and included a coil sprung and telescoping shock absorber. The fork girders attached at two points; at the lamp bracket and at the lower steering yoke. The lamp bracket was fixed to the steering stem, and the upper part of the shock absorber body bolted to the bracket. A coil spring was inside this body. The girders, sliding on a phosphor bronze guide pushed against the coil spring. A hardened steel bolt extending from the lower yoke located and guides the shock motion, with the rear fork girders passing through bushings in the lower steering yoke. Force transmitted to the front wheel pushed the girders up, these sliding in the lower yoke while compressing the coil spring in the shock absorber. Suspension travel was minimal but surprisingly effective for the day. As the Abingdon earned a reputation for sturdiness, they were very popular in the British colonies, notably Australia and New Zealand. Production ended in 1933, when Abingdon King Dick decided to concentrate on its successful line of tools, a product that continues to this day. Prior to World War 1 Bennett & Wood in Sydney, Australia, held New South Wales agencies for the three major European makes FN, Motosacoche and Abingdon King Dick. All three makes were sold under their "Speedwell" brand name in the NSW area until the war situation stopped supplies of overseas motorcycles. This Speedwell Abingdon King Dick has been excellently restored. It comes with acetylene lighting, bulb horn and leather spare tube carrier. The comfortable saddle was manufactured by the Coventry firm of Middlemore & Lamplugh. This motorcycle is being sold unregistered.
  • Estimate:
    A$20,000 - 25,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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