History of the Marque: Calthorpe
George W. Hands began manufacture of bicycles in Bordesley, Birmingham
in about 1890 and built his first motorcycles at Calthorpe's Barn Street
premises in 1910 - one source says they first exhibited at the Stanley
Cycle Show in 1909. Initially using JAP and Precision
engines, after the First World War they also used Peco, Villiers
and Blackburne units. By 1924 they were producing
their own 350cc ohv engine, and in 1927 built a 500cc overhead cam model.
Only around 100 of these relatively expensive machines were made.
The Ivory series began in 1928 (or 1929) and was very well received
with its saddle tank and duplex frame, but by the late thirties the company
was in decline and went bankrupt in 1938. Revival attempts occurred in
1939 with Matchless engines, but the war interceded. Another revival attempt
in 1945 using Villiers two-stroke powerplants was also unsuccessful.
Quite extensive model information available at JLB-Créations
Thu May 31 2007
Lynnemahoney06<at>aol.com
calthorpe
Found a 1914 calthorpe minus wheels, gearbox, cogs, whatever goes on
the crankshaft, brake handles,magneto carb', nice little free jap
engine
.......
Trying to restore a 1914 calthorpe with a jap engine. Know nothing
about it and need advice and spares, wheels engine parts,magneto
and photo's of engine,and missing drive cogs ross-shire
Mon Apr 02 2007
mail
cjpartridge.co.uk
Calthorpe Car
unsure approx.1917
Does anyone have any details on calthorpe cars, a friend of mine has
one which he has owned for approx. 50 years, it will need restoration,
need to establish which model and value etc.
Somerset, UK
Thu Mar 15 2007
nbbrowning xtra.co.nz
Calthorpe cars
1911 12/14
John Hodson,can I have your present Email address? Have much info for
you.Restoring a 1911roadtsr. Know of several others in nz.
New Zealand
Wed Feb 21 2007
j.patekaon.at
500 Ivory barrel
Calthorpe Ivory 500
Has anyone out there a spare 500 Ivory cylinder barrel in serviceable
condition for sale ? Or swap for new Calthorpe pistons ?
Attached the nice old Calthorpe logo. Is the animal a sheep or a wolfe
? Plus a catalogue drawing of the rare 500 cammy Calthorpe of appr. 1927.
vienna
Wed Feb 14 2007
timrapideyemovies.co.uk
looking for parts
1933 500cc Calthorpe
Looking for instruments & dynamo for incomplete restoration of
1933 500cc Calthorpe.
Bath England
Mon Jan 08 2007
margotcmweb.co.za
Valuation
Calthorpe Ivory 1930
Where can I find out the value of my bike?
South Africa
Try our page on Classic
Motorcycle Valuations.
Thu Dec 07 2006
gosta.karltelia
carltorphe 500cc 1932
Is it possible to finde a sparepartlist with drawings for the 4-speed
Albion gearbox also spareparts to the gearbox or complete gearbox
Varberg ,Sweden
.........
Thank you for your fast answer.The bike are in bits but the seller
told me that are 500cc 1932 competione 4-speed with Albion gearbox patent.As
another freind told me they come with 500ccengine 1932 with Albion gearbox
.I have no inform or broschyr for the bike .So I also ask you if you have
some copy for sale ?
I'm sorry, we do not sell or source parts and
literature. We provide a free service helping motorcycle owners, historians,
enthusiasts and dealers exchange information about classic European motorcycles.
Ed.
I thank You very much for your answer.For me now I try to get contact with
owner of same type of bikes to get/change information but I do not know
how I begin .Do you have any recommendation vere I can try to finde owner
or information about this type Calthorpe.What I need are to finde litrature
and copies of the bike to begin to restauer it
Best regards Gosta karlsson
Try the Calthorpe
directory at Bikelinks
and also the directory
of classic motorcycle clubs
Tue Apr 11 2006
erdejongbeckman
Calthorpe ivory 350
I bought one of your nice english motorcycles The Caltorpe Ivory 350.
I only have one problem, I cant find the frame number because the one
who restored the motorcycle did a very good job especially the paint!
Who can help
The picture was taken just a few months ago, somewhere in holland
in a place called Zwartsluis, this is where I bought the motorcycle
My name is Ernst de Jong from Holland
Tiel, the Netherlands
Mon Jul 31 2006
john.cadman5btinternet
parts for calthorpe
500cc
hello looking for handle bars tank pannel does any one have any
drg has i can make most things
wolverhampton
Thu Mar 30 2006
dougandjeansalmonbtopenworld
ivory calthorpe restoration
500cc 1937 calthorpe
I am restoring a calthorpe as above and nead same help finding same
parts ie.oil pump and handle parts and afew others my name
is doug salmon
maidstone kent england
Tue Mar 28 2006
redshootcampingbtconnect
Calthorpe Motorcycle
I am after a contact for the Calthorpe Owners Club. Just bought
a 1931 350cc.
Hampshire
Sat Mar 25 2006
dana.tesarkovaseatovapyramida.cz
Books
Calthorpe
Hello everybody,
I am looking for a book about Calthorpe motorcycles: can anybody help
me, on which website those books (if even any, language does not matter)
can be found?
thanks a lot for your advice
Dana
Praque
Wed Feb 15 2006
SURFMURPH04AOL
JOIN THE CALTHORPE MOTOR CYCLE CLUB
COULD YOU PLEASE GIVE ME THE ADDRESS OF CLUB SECRATARY OF THE CALTHORPE
CLUB AS I WANT TO JOIN IT ,REGARDS
CUMBRIA
Sat Nov 19 2005
Harteloh-Medaetszonnet.nl
Calthorpe
Hello,
Do you happen to know if there is a 1934 Calthorpe 350 cc as on the
photographs somewhere, so that my father and I can take pictures in order
to restore the bike of my late grandfather? Or perhaps something quite
similar? Thanks for your trouble.
Martijn
I suggest you contact vintage motorcycle clubs
in your area and see if one of their members has a Calthorpe, and perhaps
find out then when the next ride or rally is on. A good place to start
would be the classic clubs section of Bikelinks.
Ed.
Thu Aug 04 2005
RitaandMartynsapo.pt
Calthorpes
I need help. I need to source mudguards for a 1935 and 1936 Calthorpe.
I have 1 good rear one which gives me the shape - has anybody had any made?
or can anybody put me in contact with anyone who can help me with the shape?
I've also had two end covers made for pumps (not in monkey metal) anyone
interested in end covers for the pumps - if there is enough interest we
can get some made. The ones I have fit perfectly. It fits the
1935 and 1936 crankcases perfectly. It may well fit earlier engines
and will certainly fit later engines. I am also after a set of front
forks for a 1935. I have a few pieces to swap i.e. engine parts.
Thu May 12 2005
jonmg69hotmail
Calthorpe- Competition special
hi, i own a 1938 Calthorpe Competition Special. 350cc, coil ignition,
it has a hand change 4 speed burman gear box. it is in totaly original
condition and starts first kick. does anyone have a pictures of one liing
around, as i need to find out where bit s etc etc. cheers for your help.
February 4, 2003
Hi!
I bought a Calthorpe 350 OHV and I am searching for any kind of information...
See Calthorpe
Forum
January 14, 2003
Hi
Can you help? My dad raced Calthorpes in 1927-32....
See Calthorpe
Forum
October 8, 2002
Hello,
When I bought my (not restored yet!) Ivory 250cc 1935 in England in
1975, I also received from the seller some documentation.I join a bad state
copy of 1938 catalogue for your 349cc.Enjoy your restoration! --
Bruno -- bruno.vangameren at skynet.be
From Sheldon: Great stuff. Click on the thumbnail for
larger view. I do have the original scans that were sent to me by Bruno.
They are about 1.5meg each so if someone absolutely needs them I can e-mail
them to you.
September 6, 2002
... I bought new in 1932/33 a 500cc Ivory Calthorpe from Pride &
Clark...
See Calthorpe
Forum
July 3, 2002
Name: Peter Marshall
email: kato at senet.com.au
I own a 350cc Ivory Calthorpe
June 11, 2002
Hello
The restoration of my Calthorpe 350 Ivory 1931 is finished ...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 11, 2002
My father bought a 1932? 500cc Calthorpe combination just after the
war in 1946...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 10, 2002
Can anybody tell me what the correct valve timing is for a 1935 500cc
ohv Calthorpe Ivory? The handbook says inlet valve to open 20 degrees...
See Calthorpe
Forum
February 26, 2002
Estimados Amigos: Estoy buscando Culata, Piston, Cilindro, Carburador
y tubos de Escape, todo ello para una Calthorpe fabricada en el año
1934, con motor M3/1005. Atentamente. Un Saludo desde España
-- SAMAGRA at terra.es
January 29, 2002
I have a Calthorpe Ivory 350cc from 1938 for restoration. I have
not documentation from this model.I have not a petroltank for this byke.--
Zels Louis -- zels.louis at edpnet.be
January 9, 2002
Dear Calthorpe Owners !
Maybe you have a worn out camshaft surplus for any of the following
Ivory engine types : K3, K4, K5, M3, M4 or M5....
See Calthorpe
Forum
December 27, 2001
When I look at the Calthorpe site, the most recent message is 15th
September. Is the site still active, or is it a problem with my PC?
-- Thanks -- Alan Freke -- alan at freke.greatxscape.net
From Sheldon: Probably nothing wrong with your PC.The European
Motorcycle Universe site has become huge and coupled with the facts that
I also run several motorcycle clubs, and am trying to find the time to
get the Calthorpe club up, I administer quite a few motorcycle mailing
lists, and recently lost my job to a "downsizing" at work and have to make
a living off my web site design...I've been getting over 800 e-mails a
day and am having a heck of a time keeping up right now. The Calthorpe
stuff is a priority for me but even that has suffered. If I get behind
just give me a gentle nudge and I will do the updates. Hopefully things
will settle down soon. Thanks for your patience
December 4, 2001
I have a '36 Ivory 500 in bits and pieces.I need lots of spares...
See Calthorpe
Forum
December 3, 2001
I'm the owner of 1936 Ivory Major 500 in original...
See Calthorpe
Forum
November 10, 2001
Hi
My father owns what he believes to be a 1929 Ivory Calthorpe...
See Calthorpe
Forum
October 18, 2001
I have a 2.75 horse power JAP engined Calthorpe, which seems to date
from WW1...
See Calthorpe
Forum
October 7, 2001
I have a ca 1925 Model D5 350 cc ohv.And i'm lookinging for...
See Calthorpe
Forum
October 1, 2001
Just bought a Calthorpe 350cc 1931, but black. It's in good condition
(not used for the last 50 years) but has to be restored! --
Gilbert Falkenström -- gilbert.falkenstrom at telia
September 22, 2001
Dear Readers !
I just was able to fit the last original parts to my 37 Calthorpe :
the "Amal clean handlebar".All cables except clutch and brake run inside
the bar to give an uncluttered finish. Dipswitch and horn push are integral
with the grips, and were made by Amal.I have their original construction
drawings if someone is as mad as me to refurbish them.This handlebar consist
of nearly as much parts as the whole engine! It also cost nearly
as much! For the outer cable housings I used cotton covered outers
available from Germany. See the photos of "before" and "after" attention.
Many thanks to Mr Wheaton of AJW fame ! -- JOHANN PATEK
-- j.patek at aon.at
September 15, 2001
To make your page a bit more colorful, I have enclosed a few photos
of my finished 1937 Calthorpe 500 Ivory.I tried to maintain an authentic
and unrestored finish, which was harder to obtain than to make a 100% concours
restoration.Anyway the bike starts first kick now and is a treat to ride.It
never let me down, and I use it as often as possible and in every weather.
All the best from cold Vienna -- JOHANN PATEK --
j.patek
at aon.at
September 15, 2001
Dear Calthorpe owners : I was able to buy some new old stock
Calthorpe Ivory pistons...
See Calthorpe
Forum
June 13, 2001
My dad had A Calthorpe in the 1940's. I have nerver seen A Calthorpe
in Denmark.
-- Jens Wolter -- email: Wolter at mail.dk
June 4, 2001
Does anyone out there know anything about an Ivory Calthorpe VE1541?...
See Calthorpe
Forum
June 3, 2001
Je suis à la recherche de docoments, photos, pièces detachées
pour ma moto de marque Calthorpe...
See Calthorpe
Forum
April 24 2001
I have a friend which is restoring a 1933 ivory Calthorpe...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 26, 2001
I have 1932-1933 500cc Calthorpe ...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 21, 2001
possiedo una bike calthorpe credo che sia anno 1927....
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 4, 2001
Have just acquired a 250cc Calthorpe- 4 stroke in very many bits appears
to be complete...
See Calthorpe
Forum
January 16, 2001
Hello Sheldon,
Well, in reply to your request for Calthorpe motorcycle information
and pictures I have supplied a photo and a quick description of a Calthorpe
that has been in the family since 1933:
"1931 IVORY CALTHORPE 500CC
This machine has been fully restored in the last 2 years and is converted
to foot change for use in regular Vintage runs etc.. (original hand carriage
has been kept ready to be re-fitted) This Calthorpe has been owned by the
same family for the last 68 years and is in excellent running condition."
If you require any more information on this or any other bikes owned
by the family (AJS, Matchless, Triumph etc..) then please Email me at Dave_allen
at madasafish
. Thanks.
September 10, 2000
Help!!!
Has the Calthorpe 2 1/2 Hp 1925 registration LN.3468 survived?? I have
in my possession the original log book with last registered owner C Williams
July 1926.
Can anybody help??????
From Annette, Kent, England -- Groovy at achivrall.fsnet.co.uk
August 26, 2000
Do you know the address and phone/fax no.for Jim Hunter Engineering?
I believe he can possibly supply tank rubbers for Calthorpes. --
DAVID -- Australia -- dbowtell at bigpond.com.au
August 21, 2000
I have a '36 which my Dad left to me.Calthorpe was his all time very
favorite bike.And he had lots.
-- Jude -- spotjude at vic.australis.com.au
-- Location: Moe, Victoria, Australia
July 28, 2000
HI...would greatly appreciate info on where I can get literature, brochures
and anything else on the Calthorpe motorcycle. -- Thanks,
-- Bill Calthorpe -- BCalthorpe at aol
July 16, 2000
I have just acquired an ivory Calthorpe and I am after any technical
information ...stored in Victoria for over 20 years ...
See Calthorpe
Forum
July 10, 2000
1938 model ivory Calthorpe
Does any one have any information or pictures of this model?
-- DAVID -- AUSTRALIA
See Calthorpe
Forum
July 2, 2000
Hello all,
My name is Alan, and I live in Australia.I own a 1936 500cc Calthorpe....
See Calthorpe
Forum
June 18, 2000
Hi there!
I have a 1935 250cc Calthorpe Ivory Minor...
See Calthorpe
Forum
June 9, 2000
A lot of info in my PC database, some pertinent to Calthorpes. NB My
only interest is in restoring the horns fitted to cars & bikes...
See Classic
British Motorcycle Forum
May 28, 2000
Sheldon
I was very interested to see the update on the restoration of Johann's
Calthorpe. He has restored the machine to a very high standard and I look
forward to seeing the finished item.
I am in the process of restoring a 1935 500cc Calthorpe Ivory Sports
model. The machine was found in a garden shed following the death of a
relative. It certainly seems to pay to have a good look around garden sheds!
The bike had been pushed into the shed and covered over in about 1955.
You can imagine the state the machine was in when it was recovered, following
a couple of years of hard work I am beginning to see the light at the end
of the tunnel. I will keep you informed of progress.
I note Johann's comments about developing this web site as a platform
for Calthorpes. A sort of electronic Calthorpe Owners club. Do you think
that the European Motorcycle Universe site is the best place or would a
separate web page be better?
During my restoration efforts I have visited several UK museums containing
Calthorpes. Readers might be interested in my findings.
Ramsgate Motor Museum, Westcliff, Ramsgate
The museum has a 1930 Calthorpe motor cycle. White but not ivory and
probably 250cc capacity. The machine seems to be complete.
Norfolk Motorcycle Museum, North Walsham, Norfolk
1934 250cc Calthorpe Ivory motor cycle. Incomplete, petrol tank missing.
Part restored.
National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands
1930 348cc Calthorpe Ivory motor cycle. As might be expected at the
National Motorcycle Museum, complete and superbly restored. Useful as a
reference model for restoration purposes.
Midland Motor Museum, Stanmore Hall, Brignorth, Shropshire.
Until fairly recently the museum had two Calthorpe cars on show. A 1912
Calthorpe Tulip Phaeton and a 1915 Calthorpe Tourer. They had gone when
I visited the museum and the attendant on duty could not tell be anything
about them. Does anyone know what has happened to them?
Does anyone know of other Calthorpe cars or motorcycles in museums world
wide?
I am interest in all aspects of Calthorpe cars and motor cycles, particularly
the history and articles about the Calthorpe Motor Companies. In addition,
I am always interested in spares for my 1935 500cc Calthorpe. On the other
hand I have build up a collection of information on Calthorpes and will
be pleased to try and help anyone seeking information.
Best wishes
John Hodson -- ashgate at globalnet.co.uk [bounced]
May 28, 2000 10:00 p.m.
From Sheldon:
John and all others,
It does look like you folks are getting enough folks to start a
club.Could you all please look at my NARMA (North American Russian Motorcycle
Association) web site at: http://www.narma.org/narma
I could set something like that up if everyone would contribute information,
tech tips, whatever, to it.We could start it without dues to get it going
and then maybe in a year charge dues in order to get patches, t-shirts
and sponsor rallies.As a group we could make this happen.There have to
be more than a few Calthorpe owners out there.I don't have one but some
day I would love to have an old Ivory.
How about the name "Calthorpe Owners Group (COG)"? I could
also set up a mailing list or discussion group so we could have real discussions.There
are a lot of things we could do.
Sheldon
11:47 p.m.From Sheldon:
As usual I got a bit carried away.There is now a mailing list set
up at Topica.com.Go to http://www.topica.com and search for "Calthorpe",
then "join" the list.Any messages you would like to send to the whole list
should be addressed to "calthorpe at topica".
Also we now have the beginnings of a club of sorts at http://www.inredllc.com/calthorpe
[404]. I will add more tomorrow but at least there is something there already.
Sheldon
October 13, 1999
In March I bought a 1937 Ivory Major Calthorpe. It is in fine running
condition with only 1400 miles on its clock. Unfortunately someone "modernised"
it in the 50ies and fitted an AJS tele front end. I still have the original
front wheel but I search desperate for a girder front fork for this model.
If anyone out there has such a girder fork in his shed (though this chance
is very remote) he should contact me.
Bring the old Calthorpes back on the roads. They are marvelous bikes!
JOHANN PATEK -- j.patek at aon.at
Update:
May 22, 2000
Sheldon !
Would you please publish the following intermediate restoration report
of my Calthorpe project :
Dear interested reader !
You may have looked at the "as found" photo of my 1937 500 Calthorpe
with disgust. Hope the enclosed recent photo is more appealing. After one
year has elapsed, and 2 months of work pressed into the project, plus several
lucky happenings I am able to show you a nearly finished Ivory 500.Just
the exhaust pipes are since ages in the UK waiting for a talented pipe
bender to pay attention and fabricate replicas from the rusty originals.
This electronic insert had an UK Calthorpe owner dig into his garden
shed, where he rescued a pair of correct and useable front forks for my
bike.Can luck be more generous ? Just another garden shed with the
correct set of clean handlebars and controls would catapult me into Calthorpe
heaven !
When my bike is finally completed and on the road again, I plan to issue
a detailed report upon the experience I made during the restoration and
a listing of important, useful and helpful addresses.
Any contributions to the Calthorpe theme, wanted and available spares
should be contributed to that page.It could develop into a worldwide Calthorpe
platform.Dont be shy !
Best wishes from Vienna JOHANN PATEK -- j.patek at aon.at
From Sheldon: WOW!!! Absolutely awsome!
And I think that leaving the pillion seat off makes the bike look much
more powerful and sleek.
August 22, 1999
Hi my name is Mark I am looking at buying a 1938
ivory Calthorpe...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 29, 1999
I saw your Calthorpe Webpage still in existance. My pictured restoration
project transforms slowly into a classic motorcycle...
See Calthorpe
Forum
March 9, 1999
To whom it may concern !
I mail from Austria and I just bought today a 1937 500cc Calthorpe
Ivory Major....
See Calthorpe
Forum
Hi..saw your page and was wondering if you had any info or could tell
me anything about the Calthorpe name related to manufacturing....
See Calthorpe
Forum
1931 CALTHORPE 350cc IVORY
The Calthorpe factory was owned by George Hands who was based at Birmingham.
It was a factory of unpredictable fortunes which did enjoy a good period
from 1928 upon the introduction of a completely new design with a duplex
frame and the fashionable new saddle tank introduced by some manufacturers
at that period. The 350cc four stroke two port engine was well designed
and extremely sporty. The colour scheme was an inspiration by the factory
in that they chose an ivory white finish which became something of a legend
and caused the new range to be called the Ivory Calthorpe. This model from
1931 is described by the vendor as being very sporty in performance with
its bright white work and paintwork in a very good condition. He further
reports that it runs satisfactorily. However a mechanical and safety check
are recommended before the machine is taken into use. Registration no.
TBA Frame no. KI/1371 Engine no. K 1 / 1191
Estimate £3,000 - 3,250
This is a description listed by Brooks Auction House
http://www.cm-net.com/ai/brooks/auct/a971203/
[404] for an auction in December last year of Pioneer, Vintage, Classic
and Racing Motorcycles and Related Material. Lots of interesting stuff
here, a couple of Ducs including an MHR -- Steve
Midgley http://www.softsolutions.com/smidgley
[404]
Calthorpe, First exhibited at the Stanley Cycle
Show 1909. Built in Birmingham by George hands, early models, used a 3.5hp
White & Poppe engine. After WW1 Villiers, JAP, Blackburne,
Peco and Precision all supplied engines. Calthorpe manufactured its own
350 overhead valve and 500 overhead cam engines in 1925. The
Ivory model was introduced in 1928 and remained until 1935.New owners in
1938 moved the firm to Bristol where they intended to build Matchless engined
machines. The new factory was requisitioned for the war before production
began.
Source: The History of the Motorcycle, Hugo Wilson, RD Press. -- glenb
at Brightpoint.com.au
December 6, 1998
I have a colored sales brochure for the 1935 CALTHORPE, it sold for
42 gns. they also sold a sidecar for it for 17 gns. nice looking bike for
1935.-- John -- LITNMAN at aol
