Dimensions
189 x 246 x 21mm
Francis-Barnett was central in the two golden eras of the motorcycle industry, the 1930s and the 1950s. The company was founded in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, and based in Lower Ford Street, Coventry, England. Francis-Barnett played a key role in the motorcycle industry with the production of it's 'home to work' commuting two-stroke motorcycles. The author looks at the key role these innovative and unique bikes played in the glory days of the British motorcycling industry. Topics covered include:- Company origins and history. Manufacturing seasons from 1919 to 1966. Engines and carburetors. Detailed technical specifications. This fascinating book is primarily intended to be an authoritative work for reference for those wanting to establish the authenticity of a machine, particularly as the company's early records were lost during the bombing of Coventry during Word War II and the post-war records appear to have been destroyed with the collapse of the parent company AMC (Associated Motor Cycles). AUTHOR: Arthur Gent, like most people in the 1950s, had a series of motorcycles for commuting to work and for pleasure purposes; these were James and BSA two-strokes. In 1980 he was given the remnants of a 1958 Francis-Barnett Cruiser 80, which languished in his garage until he joined the Francis-Barnett Owners Club and with their help rebuilt the Cruiser to award winning condition. The enthusiasm of the Club members, especially John Baker, rubbed off on him so that he began obtaining other Francis-Barnetts. In 2000, he became a Francis-Barnett Owners Club committee member responsible for keeping the Register of surviving Francis-Barnetts and in 2003 the post of Librarian. SELLING POINTS: -A fascinating account of the history of the company from its birth in 1919 to its demise in 1966 -An authoritative work of reference for those wanting to establish the authenticity of a machine -Traces the key role that these innovative and unique bikes played in the glory days of the British motorcycling industry ILLUSTRATIONS 177 b/w photographs *
