Villiers 196 super sports

[33d6]

I too sent an email to the auctioneer pointing out both the Acme frame and engine numbers indicate a post-war model. No reply yet.
My interest lies with next Villiers powered lightweight, the Wolf. This one they nearly got right. Its a 1932 Wolf  ‘Vixen’, not 1931 as claimed. That was an easy one as I have copies of all Wolf catalogues from 1931. The Vixen was first catalogued in 1932 and those particular Webb front forks were only fitted to the initial 1932 model. Satchwell forks for every year there on. It has much more potential for a fun bike than the Acme.

[cardan]

I suppose a "1936" Acme is likely to bring a higher price than a 1948 model?

The Wolf is cute. https://bid.adeyauctions.com/lots/view/5-28K76Z/wolf-motorcycle In 1932 they were being sold by Gard Bros in Adelaide (where the bikes in the auction are located), while across town Elliott were flogging Sun Villiers. Elliott scored the Wolf agency a year or two later, and sold Wolf-looking bikes as Elliott Villiers. Here's an advert from March 1935. I think we decided Wolf? Not sure if you can identify the fork from such a poor image.

33d6, yell if you buy the Wolf and I'll pick it up for you!

Cheers

Leon

[33d6]

Yes, that Elliot is pure Wolf Vixen but the advert isn’t clear enough to ascertain which forks.

I’d like to get the Wolf but I’ve too many unfinished projects sitting around already. I really don’t need the distraction of another bike, tempting though it may be.

As for dating that Acme as 1936, some owners just seem to have wild fantasies about what they have regardless of reality. They just don’t want to know.

[cardan]

Mmm... a lot of bikes passed in (including the Wolf), some sold for much less than restoration cost ($2700 would have to be cheap for the "1936" Acme), and a couple of decent prices (who wouldn't be happy to get $19,000 for a late 1920s sv BSA?). We live in interesting times.

Make an offer for the Wolf, and I'll collect it for you. Then pass the restoration projects on.

Too hot in the shed this afternoon - it's crept up to 35C even though it's cloudy. Summer still with us.

Cheers

Leon

[33d6]

Get thee behind me, Satan.

[cardan]

... and deliver it to Melbourne for a cup of tea...