1928 Douglas 498cc DT5 Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. EL452

Bristol-based Douglas Foundry commenced motorcycle production in 1907 with a machine powered by a horizontally-opposed twin. Fore-and-aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity, and the design's virtues were soon demonstrated in competition.
When speedway, or dirt track, racing arrived in Britain in 1928 the new sport quickly caught the public's imagination. Before long almost all major UK manufacturers listed a dirt-track model, Douglas being the first marque to establish dominance. The company's inline twins had benefited from much prior development on the Australian long tracks, but as shorter tracks became the norm in the UK, the DT5's otherwise excellent handling could no longer compensate for the handicap of a longish wheelbase, and rival manufacturers' single-cylinder models began to assert themselves.

This fine example of the dirt-track Douglas was purchased because the vendor always wanted to own a speedway bike. The machine was bought from the daughter of former speedway star Phil Bishop - the 'King of Crash' - in January 2015. We are advised that Len Cole had rebuilt the engine and looked after the bike for Phil Bishop. Last run ten years ago, the machine has been well maintained and was shown during 2015. We are further advised that the magneto needs attention.