Beschreibung:

Founded by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, Francis-Barnett set up shop in the old Excelsior works in Coventry in 1919. The downturn in the motorcycle market in the early 1920s prompted F-B to switch from producing expensive, high quality machines to the more utilitarian. First seen in 1923, the first of these was the triangulated, pin-jointed, straight-tube frame models whose novel method of construction gave rise to the 'Built Like A Bridge' advertising slogan. Experience in the production of pressed-steel car components resulted in yet another innovatory model the following decade - the partially enclosed Cruiser. After WW2 the firm became part of AMC along with James and concentrated on the production of two-stroke powered lightweights. The semi-enclosed Powerbike autocycle first appeared in 1939 and resumed production after WW2. Like many of its fellows, the Powerbike 50 was powered by the 98cc Villiers Junior de Luxe engine, featuring single-speed transmission and auxiliary pedalling gear. The model was updated for 1948 with tubular girder forks complete with rubber-band suspension, and in 1949 received the Villiers 2F engine, a new frame and revised fuel tank and legshields, becoming the Powerbike 56. Finished in black, this believed-restored Powerbike is offered with Swansea V5 and without reserve.