VETERAN CYCLES & MOTORCYCLES
The Overman Wheel Co. Founded by Albert H Overman, the Overman Wheel Co. produced the Victor Bicycle from its Boston, Massachusetts factory from 1885 and was a major competitor with the Pope Manufacturing Company. There are two examples of the make on the Run this year- an 1893 Victor Spring Fork model, which was marketed between 1887 and 1894, and, also made in the same year, a Victor Type B Safety bicycle.
Unknown Maker From early on in the development of the cycle trade from the early 1870s, the parts for a bicycle could be bought from the many specialist suppliers that grew up particularly around the West Midlands region. Smaller makers could soon be found all over the UK catering for their local cyclists. Many of these machines are often difficult to identify, as is the case with the Ordinary bicycle dated to 1885 that we see on the Run this year.
1904 Minerva.
MOTORCYCLES
Minerva This year’ s Veteran Car Run sees two splendid examples of the Minerva marque, from the days when Belgium was at the forefront of developments. Available in the UK only from D. Citroen at 45 Holborn Viaduct( holder of sole selling rights for the UK and Colonies), the 1903 model boasted a mechanicallyoperated inlet valve in the days when automatic ones remained common, and 35 mph was claimed for the engine when added to a roadster-type cycle, a handful of studs, nuts and clips effecting the transformation from pedal power to horsepower. 1904 saw several detail improvements to the model, now made in six varieties under the auspices of a newly-formed private company, Minerva Motors Limited. The mechanical inlet valve remained, being declared an unqualified success. Despite securing new offices, warehouses and workshops, they claimed to scarcely be able to make them quickly enough to satisfy demand.
Rex Such was the confidence of the Rex Motor Manufacturing Co. in relation to their 1904 model that they offered would-be purchasers £ 25 against their old machine in part exchange for what was, by any standards, a handsome machine in aluminium silver with contrasting coach lining. A contemporary advertisement boasted that the machine‘ climbs everywhere’, a cartoon depicting‘ The King of British Motors’ going up the side of a house( and overtaking a car in the process). Press descriptions of the models at the 1903 Show, at which three adjacent stands were taken, extolled the virtues of various detail improvements to the cylinder design, larger engine( 3- 1 / 2 hp) and increases in fuel and battery storage, and‘ ample’ stopping power from a new belt-rim brake.-
www. veterancarrun. com F / veterancarrun. I @ veterancarrun 67