British

Today in Motorcycle History

Harry Martin

Martin were motorcycles produced from 1911 to 1915 and again from 1920 to 1921. The make was started by Harry Martin of Croydon, Surrey.

  • 1911 Two machines were listed, fitted with JAP engines. One was a tourer and the other for racing.

    1914 The company expanded and was listed as Car and Motor Sundries of Shaftesbury Avenue, London. By now the range went from a 2hp ohv single to an 8hp V-twin. The smallest had a Precision engine and was listed as the Martin Junior.

    1915 The only models for that year were the Junior in sv form and a 2½ hp JAP model.

    1920 After the Great War, it was announced that production would recommence. The range would concentrate on twin-cylinder speed models with MAG engines. Production was now from the works of A. G. Millier in Willesden.

    1921 Entries were made in the Junior and Senior TT, but with no success. Models were listed with 293cc sv single and 498cc V-twin JAP engines fitted with the unusual choice of Claudel Hobson carburettors. They had Albion and Burman gearboxes respectively. Production soon slowed and the marque then disappeared.

MARTIN.
Engine - 2 h. p. four-stroke, overhead valves.
Iqnition - U.H. magneto, enclosed chain drive
Carburetter - B. and B.
Change Speed - Two-speed, incorporated in crank case, gear: 6 to 1 and 20 to 1.
Transmission - Gear and belt.
Dimensions - Height of saddle from ground, 29in. Ground clearance, 5in. Wheelbase, 49in.
Lubrication - Hand pump.
Other Features - Druid forks. Pedley belt. Michelin tyres 26x2.
Price - 25 guineas.

Cars and Motor Sundries, Ltd. (Martin Dept.), 175 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.

British Lightweights, 1914

Harry Martin Biography

Harry Martin shared premises at 137 & 139, Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, with his father who made sewing machines

1903 H. Martin and Son, 137 & 139, Cherry Orchard Road. Pianoforte and Domestic Machinery Depot.

1904-1906 Dealer in cars and motorcycles who made a few automobiles.

1905 Advertisement. Hall and Martin 12hp car with Aster two-cylinder engine.

1906 September. Makes attempt to take the six-hour record from F. W. Chase at the canning Town track but heavy rain forced a stop at five hours.

1907 Dispute. Harry Martin of 146 Kingsway, Whitehorse Road, Croydon. Claimed against Guiseppe Vedast of 139 Cherry Orchard Road, motor car dealer, over the sale of the business.

Produced motorcycles under the Martin brand from 1911 to 1915 and again from 1920 to 1921. The make was started by Harry Martin of Croydon, Surrey.

1913 Mrs E Martin was a musical instrument dealer at 137 & 139 Cherry Orchard Road.

1923 Harry Martin attempted to break records at the Southern Counties Cyclists' Union meeting at Herne Hill in a Morgan cycle car and a Martin motorcycle.

Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle


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