Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1957 Dayton Albatross
No reserve
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 7811
MOT: Exempt
Extremely original and excellent apparent condition
Only on the road for one year
Only 1518 miles done appears correct
The Dayton Cycle Co built motorcycles from 1913 to 1922 then in Shoreditch, London from 1939 after a long gap. In 1955 the company moved production to North Acton, London to add scooter production.
In 1955 the company entered the scooter market and introduced the model Albatross. Powered by a 224cc Villiers 1H engine. Other versions were added, fitted with Villiers engines of various capacities up to 250cc. The final model was the Flamenco designed to be more ‘Lambretta’ in appearance but it failed in the market. In 1960 production ceased. Today the Albatross is a highly respected scooter and is often described as the real Rolls Royce of Scooters. At the time it was designed to appeal to more refined scooter buyer and was pitched against the luxury machines produced by German manufacturers Heinkel, Maico and Zundapp. Due to its size, weight and design it sold poorly and production ceased in 1960.
This example in an attractive all blue metallic colour scheme looks to be complete and thoroughly original in all resects. It is a later 1957 model however the last tax disc is 1958 in Portsmouth. The condition overall is commensurate with this and the mileage at only 1518 can be considered reliable. This one is a time warp example and with the attractive metal dealer plate on the front mudguard of Copes of Hagley Road Birmingham and the original and rare to see Dayton Albatross transfers on the body work. Condition all round shouts out almost unused and the seat is in remarkable regional condition. If you are looking for a fine original example of an Albatross you could do much worse than this example. It is possible with the help of the VMSC who have Albatross enthusiasts there that this could regain its original registration number particularly with the presence of the 1958 tax disc.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
