1939 Scott Flying Squirrel, 596 cc. Registration number DNX ...

Hammer

£7,200

1939 Scott Flying Squirrel, 596 cc. Registration number DNX 614. Frame number 4658. Engine number DPY 4735.
Bradford-born Alfred Angas Scott’s experiments with two-stroke motorcycle engines began in the closing years of the 19th Century. The first complete Scott motorcycle followed in 1908, its twin-cylinder engine, two-speed foot-change gear and all-chain drive marking it out as an exceptionally advanced design for its day. Light weight, ample power and sure-footed handling thanks to a low centre of gravity were Scott virtues right from the outset. Like its major rivals, Scott was well aware of the publicity value of racing and the allure of models with a TT connection, so the adoption of an optional full-frame tank, like that of the works racers, for the new Flying Squirrel was not surprising.
The Squirrel name was used for Scott motorcycles since 1921 but with the death of the founder Alfred Angas Scott in 1923 the unorthodox Scott two-stroke motorcycles began to become more conventional. Development of the three speed Scott Flying Squirrel began in 1922 as the company was in severe debt and faced receivership. Launched at the 1926 Earls Court motorcycle show, the Flying Squirrel was expensive - nearly twice the cost of a sporting four-stroke motorcycle of the time.
The unique water cooled circulation used a convection method known as the thermosyphon system. The bottom end block was painted either green or red for racing or road respectively and featured a centrally positioned flywheel, twin inboard main bearings, overhung crankpins and doors to enable ease of access to the engine. The redesigned three speed gearbox, multi-plate clutch and the repositioned magneto were all significant improvements.
In 1929 Scott achieved third place in the Isle of Man TT and launched a road going TT Replica Flying Squirrel. Following cost cutting the factory also launched a basic touring model in 1929 for under £70. Financial problems continued, however, and in 1931 Scott were unable to enter the TT or the Earls Court show. A three cylinder prototype was developed but Scotts lacked the resources to develop it and on the outbreak of World War II production ended.
Between 1935 and 1938 the factory at Shipley in Yorkshire produced the B2592 air-cooled Aero engine, based on the Scott Flying Squirrel motorcycle unit. A 25 hp version was also specifically developed to power the notoriously dangerous Flying Flea aircraft.
According to the V.M.C.C. records DNX was dispatched from the factory on the 14th February 1939 and was dispatched to H. Greenside of Liverpool although the invoice was sent to Mr Kitson, Scott Motors London agent. It was first registered on the 1st July 1940 in Dudley, Liverpool; the delay presumably due to WWIII. The R.F.60 (1956 edition) lists Peter Lowe of Birmingham and then three address’s in Devon as the owner from 1957 until Peter Simpson of Edinburgh bought it in 1963 followed by Lawrence Sutherland. It then goes quiet until Raymond Elliott of Morpeth in 2001, Rob Francis in 2002, and Ray Mawson in Lincolnshire again in 2002 who had the engine rebuilt. He sold it to David Curtis of Doncaster in 2006 when the speedo was reset and then he sold it to Jeremy Wilcox of Rowlands Gill in 2010, our vendor bought it from him in 2016.
This rare machine was last MOT’d in 2012 at 1,638 miles, it is now at 3,655 miles, so some 4,500 miles since the engine was rebuilt and we would suggest testament to a good rebuild and a very ridable machine. Little used since our vendor has owned it, DNX will need a light recommissioning before use.
Sold with the V5C, R.F. 60, the V.M.C.C certificate, a new battery, various MOT’s and hand written notes.