|
ML
(Military Lightweight) 1946-48, Villiers 9D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 160lbs
6000 machines were made for the Allied forces during the war and this
basic model became the foundation for the post-war production with blade
girder front forks and a rigid loop frame. The only changes were to the
length of the mudguards, toolbox shape, rear carrier and paint finish. Of
which another 20,000 were manufactured. Fitted with Dunlop 19 x 2.75
wheels & tyres and 4" front & 5" rear drum brakes. Bulb
horn and direct lighting finished off the bike.
Superlux 1946-49,
Villiers JDL 98cc,
2-stroke, 1 speed, 100lb
The auto-cycle was produced with a Junior De Luxe engine mounted in a
rigid frame with tubular girder front forks.
Comet 1
1949-55, Villiers 1F 99cc (1949-52), Villiers 4F 99cc,
2-stroke, 2 speed, 128lbs
The Comet model was to continue through to the end and started as a small
engine mounted into a simple rigid loop frame with tubular girder front
forks. There were two models, the standard with direct lighting and bulb
horn, and the deluxe with battery and rectified lighting system. 1954 saw
the introduction of telescopic front forks and plunger rear suspension.
Cadet
1949-53, Villiers 10D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed,
168lbs
Dropping the faithful ML with the introduction of the Cadet which was very
similar to the Comet only with stronger cycle parts and larger engine.
This model was also offered in Standard or Deluxe models and in 1950
introduced rubber bushed telescopic front forks, followed in 1952 with
plunger rear suspension.
Captain
1948-53, Villiers 6E 197cc , 2-stroke, 3 speed,
190lbs
This was the Deluxe model of the range which again had a girder front fork
and rigid frame. In 1950 the rubber bushed telescopic front forks became
standard with an optional plunger rear suspension.
Superlux
1946-49, Villiers 2F 99cc,
2-stroke, 1 speed, 134lb
A new model using girder front forks, rigid frame with tank and leg
shields was introduced to replace the original Superlux.
Cadet
J5 1953-54,
Villiers 13D 122cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 166lbs
This was a utility version replacing the previous Cadet
model. Featuring a new frame with plunger rear suspension and a simple
spring telescopic front fork. The deluxe model option was also available
with plunger rear suspension. Captain
K7 1953-59,
Villiers 8E 197cc (1953-57),Villiers 10E 197cc (1958-59), 2-stroke, 3 speed
(4 wide ratio option 1955-56), 220lbs
Replacement for the previous Captain model sporting the new 8E engine in a
new frame with telescopic forks and swinging arm rear suspension. Dual
seat and valanced mudguards finished off the model. 1955 saw hydraulically
damped front forks. 1958 the rear suspension was changed to Girling units
and a new Villiers 10E engine unit fitted.. Colonel
K12 1953-57,
Villiers 1H 224cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed, 275lbs
Utilising the same frame as the Captain K7 with smaller capacity
engine. Cadet
J15 1954-55,
Villiers 30C 147cc, 2-stroke,3 speed, 170lbs
Minor cosmetic changes from the Cadet J5 including speedo and
switches fitted into the headlamp shell. The major departure being the new
Villiers 30C engine. Comet
100 L1
1955-56, Villiers 4F 99cc,
2-stroke, 2 speed, 165lb
New frame built up from tubes and pressing with swinging arm rear
suspension supported by forward mounted springs which were hidden in
the centre section covers and deeply valanced rear mudguard. Foot change
was introduced for the final year. Cadet
L15 1955-59,
Villiers 30C 147cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 185lbs
Sharing the same frame and fittings as the Comet 100 L1, but with
the bigger capacity engine. Oil damping on the front forks. A pillion seat
and footrests were optional. 1959 saw the dual seat become a standard
fitting on the Cadet.
Commodore
L25 1955-62,
AMC 250cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed, 280lbs
Using the same engine as the Francis-Barnett built into a new frame
comprising single top and down tubes which bolted into the centre section.
Deeply valance front mudguard fitted into telescopic front forks and
complemented with swinging arm rear suspension with Girling spring/shocks.
Dual seat and full fittings. Cavalier
L17 1957-59,
AMC 175cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed, 240lbs
Based on the Cadet cycle parts, but fitted with the new AMC 175cc
engine. This model had a 5" front brake and hydraulically damped
front suspension. Flying
Cadet L15A
1959-62, AMC 150cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 171lbs
The move to AMC engines continued during this period and the L15A
superceded the L15 model in this new guise. Cycle parts were very similar
to the Comet.
Captain
L20 1959-66,
AMC 200cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed, 262lbs
The move to AMC engines continued during this period and the L20
superceded the K7 model in this new guise. Based on the Commodore, but
retaining the tubular frame and rear fork of the K7 model.
Captain
Sports
L20S
1961-66, AMC 200cc, 2-stroke, 4 speed, 260lbs
Based on the Captain, this sports model had improved engine
performance, rear-sets with rear facing gear lever, folding
kick-start, dropped bars, alloy mudguards and a 6" front brake. 1962
the tank was changed to the nice Italian styled model.
Superswift
M25 1961-63,
Villiers 2T 249cc, 2-stroke twin, 4 speed, 300lbs
Based on the Commodore L25 but fitted with a 250cc twin Villiers
engine. A nice looking machine with the rear shocks set forward giving an
open look to the rear wheel. Valanced mudguards gave better protection for
the rider and a full chain cover added to reliability.
Cadet
M15 1962-65,
AMC 150cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 200lbs
This replacement was badge engineering, as it was the same as the
Francis-Barnett model 95 having a Tubular spine frame and hump-back
tank.
Superswift
Sports M25S
1962-66, Villiers 2T 249cc (1962-63), Villiers 4T
249cc (1964-66), 2-stroke twin, 4 speed, 290lbs
Fitted with a nice Italian styled tank this used a tuned version of
the Villiers Twin-Cylinder engine.
Cadet
M16 1965-66,
AMC 150cc, 2-stroke, 3 speed, 165lbs
Replacing the M15 but with no major changes, except the engine was
now built and assembled by Villiers at Wolverhampton. A simple machine
losing some of it's weight. |
James although a diminutive marque it was also one of the oldest, starting life as a bicycle manufacturer in
1880 founded by Harry James to build penny-farthings. The change came in 1902 when like many they installed a Belgian Minerva
engine into a frame and in 1908 the company moved to Greet. By 1909 James had developed their own engine, but the most
known models which followed the second world war were powered by the reliable Villiers
engine. The firm was taken over by AMC in 1951 and in latter years was indistinguishable from the
Francis-Barnett. The Francis-Barnett manufacture was moved to the James factory
after James was acquired by AMC and by 1962 the two became a badge engineering
exercise, but in 1966 the end came.
