1901 to 1939
The Birmingham bicycle factory produced its first motorcycle in 1901,
a front wheel drive contraption with the engine mounted on the handlebars
and a belt drive to the front wheel. It was not well received and the firm
reverted to bicycles for the remainder of the century's first decade. By
1912 they were back, this time with three motorcycles on offer, and two
years later they released their landmark model, the 300cc Light Tourist.
It was a resounding success.
Subsequent to the Great War, New Imperial began competing in the TT
races in the Lightweight class with considerable success - six wins, including
one in the Junior class, the last being in 1936. By the middle of the 1920's
the company was building 300 machines per month, but when the depression
began in the 30s they were hit hard and never recovered, finally ceasing
motorcycle manufacture in 1938 when it slipped into insolvency. On the
6th October 1939 a new owner purchased the company and changed the name
to Clifford Aero & Auto Ltd. This company built components for Lancaster
and Spitfire aircraft, and it would not have amused the Germans to learn
that the two men most closely associated with the company at that time,
Jack Sangster and Solomon Joseph, were Jewish.
New Imperial of Birmingam used Precision and JAP
engines of 250 to 1000cc until 1925 when they introduced their own powerplants
of 146cc to 498cc.
The 1929 catalogue lists 10 models including: Model 2, D.L.2,
B9, 10, 9A, 10A, 7, 7B, a 350 Light Tourist; Model 8, a 680cc V twin; and
250 and 350 Super Racer racing machines. The catalogue includes illustrations
of 8 sidecars and information on the Amal carburettor, 7 inch front brake,
M.L. magneto and Terry saddle.
The 1931 catalogue features "The New Wonder Machine" and the "Blue Prince"
and lists 8 models from 246 to 499cc, three of which are sidevalve. These
are illustrated with specifications, along with 8 sidecars.
The 1935 New Imperial Handbook has 80 pages and lists Models 23, 30,
40, 16, 16a, 17, 17a, F10, F11, 18, 2, 50, 60.
THE BOOK OF THE NEW IMPERIAL
by W.C. Haycraft
Pitmans, London, 1950. Pages: 104.
Pitman’s Motor Cycle Library, small book 6 x 5 inches, 104 pp densely
packed with photographs, illustrations, exploded parts diagrams etc. A
practical guide for owners of New Imperial motorcyles, covers S.V. and
O.H.V. models from 1935 onwards. First published in 1935 it ran to at least
six editiions. Sections include carburation, electric lighting, lubrication,
running adjustments, decarbonizing and general overhauling, with plenty
of diagrams, exploded drawings and photographs.
Wed Nov 28 2007
privohome<at>home.nl
Type information
please let me know what type of New Imperial motorcycle is shown here.
The owner shown on the picture is an Uncle
the Netherlands
Sat Sep 29 2007
p.achterstraat<at>wanadoo.nl
brochure 1935 new imperial
for sale
coevorden netherlands
Tue Aug 14 2007
ross<at>kings.id.au
New Imperial
1936 250cc - I think!!!
Can anyone identify a New Imperial Engine no: 127/43943/36 and frame
no: 117/35842/R
Thank you
Sydney Australia
Wed Mar 14 2007
pg.g
tesco.net
New Imperial
My father with his pride and joy.
I'm sorry it's a very old photograph, but if you would like to add
it to the collection I would be very pleased.
Also it would be nice if you could put an actual date to the model
as I don't have that.
Yours sincerely
Paula George
Reading, Berkshire
Thu Jan 11 2007
petrolhead7tiscali.co.uk
Motorcycle
New Imperial Model 2
I am missing the rear subframe from my 1933 New imperial Model 2 under
restoration. Can anyone supply detailed drawings/photos to allow me to
manufacture one?
Scotland
Thu Oct 26 2006
kateccharthotmail
new imperial 1930
i am trying to get hold of the "Book of the new imperial" by Eddie Collins
1930's models. Any suggestions?
coventry, uk
The Eddie Collin book covers New Imperial Models 2, D.L.2, B9, 10, 9A,
10A, 7, 7B, and 8 of 1929
Each model is featured with details about brakes, induction, ignition
and seating, and separate sections cover information common to all models
such as frame construction and camshaft design. The book has 16 pages and
is about 9 inches x 5.5 inches.
Tue Apr 04 2006
infourfin.se
New Imperial
I have a new imperial whith frame nr 60/13235/7 and enginenr 22548 is
it possible to say what year it is from? and the modelnr In the register
in sweden it says 1932, but I am unshure if it is right.
Sweden
Sun Dec 11 2005
pcclean<at>westnet.com.au
what to do with this bike
Hi there i have 3 box's of parts 490cc new imperial what i can
see iam missing petrol tank head light gear changer 1 side plate
is there parts thanks steve mcginn Australia
..................
I have found a head light and still need the tank or and side plate
for the moter I will get one made Thanks Steve McGinn
New Imperial Motorcycle Original 1938 Catalogue on Ebay.uk
Vendor's Description:
Original factory published New Imperial 1938 catalogue, 23.9cm x 18.5cm
and opens out to poster size. Opens out to show inclined unit construction
engine, mentioning Bob Foster’s 1936 TT win and spring frame. Further fold
shows special features of machine and it finally opens out to show all
models from Unit Minor to Clubman Unit model 110 500cc. Prices range from
£34 to £63. Three sidecars are illustrated and 9 machines are
pictured.
New Imperial Owners Association
History of New Imperial
Motorcycles
