1948 James 98cc Superlux Autocycle
Registration no. ERX 470
Frame no. J14797
Engine no. 439/17289

Autocycles were immensely popular in the years immediately following WW2, offering the prospect of affordable two-wheeled transport in a period of severe austerity. Like the mopeds of the 1950s and the definitive machine of this type - the Honda 50 - autocycles were aimed at a non-enthusiast mass market, offering simplicity of operation and, often, a degree of weather protection not enjoyed by larger and more powerful machines. A rigid-framed machine fitted with tubular girder forks, the James Superlux autocycle was powered by a 98cc Villiers Junior de Luxe engine enclosed by pressed-steel panels. The model received the new Villiers 2F unit for 1950 and continued in production in this form until 1954. Offered for restoration, this James autocycle comes with its original old-style logbook, an owner's handbook and a V5C registration document.