Beschreibung:

• Premier American make • An older restoration • Stylish 'Banbury' transport The famous American Excelsior motorcycle was produced by the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois from 1907 until 1931, latterly under the 'Super-X' brand name. The first Excelsior was a belt-driven single cylinder machine, the engine of which formed part of the frame. The engine itself was an inlet-over-exhaust 'F-head', a design then much in vogue. 1911 was a landmark year in Excelsior's history, for the firm was acquired by bicycle maker Ignaz Schwinn and introduced its first v-twin model that year. In 1913 the 61ci (1,000cc) twin was offered with all-chain drive, while two-speed planetary transmission and a leaf-sprung, Indian-style front fork were two innovations introduced for the following season. Alongside rivals Harley-Davidson and Indian, Excelsior offered a three-speed countershaft transmission for 1915, simultaneously introducing a new frame with curved top tube and s smoothly rounded tank, a first for Excelsior. Deeply valanced mudguards distinguished the v-twin of 1917. 'Military' olive green was adopted as the Excelsior livery that year and would remain the only option until 1920 when blue became the norm. Offered with a fascinating history file, this nicely restored Excelsior Model 19 twin was purchased by its late owner from Christchurch Motorcycles Ltd, New Zealand on 28th February 1994 for the sum of $20,000NZ (bill of sale on file). Apparently, the Excelsior had seen service with US Navy in WWI and been left in the port city of Timaru, South Island, NZ where it was discovered in a barn (see email from the relative of a former NZ owner). The late owner bought it while on holiday and had it shipped to the UK where it was registered in 2003. There are three expired MoTs on file issued in 2003, 2004, 2005 respectively, after which the machine appears to have been SORN'd annually. The huge history file also contains old/current V5C documents; plentiful correspondence; a quantity of marque-related literature; assorted photographs; and instruction and parts books. The machine also comes with its old NZ licence plates. An imposing motorcycle from any angle, the Excelsior is finished in the correct military green livery, while notable features include a Klaxon horn and Corbin speedometer. Re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before returning it to the road. (It appears that the engine number has been re-stamped at some time, but there is evidence of the original number still visible.)