1908 Sparkbrook Grand ‘Model C’ Light Roadster
BSA 3-speed gear
Sparkbrook fixed ‘Oil Tight’ chaincase
Sparkbrook patent cast rear carrier rack
25″ Frame
28″ Wheels
(Now sold)
Originally established as the National Arms & Ammunition Co in Birmingham in 1882, the company was bought by the Sparkbrook Manufacturing Co. in 1883 and production was moved to Coventry. They supplied ‘National’, ‘Sparkbrook’ and ‘Tangent’ ordinaries until 1888. The chairman was George Beverley Cooper, who had previously been a director of Hillman, Herbert & Cooper and Premier Cycle Co. Their manager had previously worked at Premier and Lea Francis. Premier merged with Singer after World War One, and Sparkbrook was taken over by Singer in 1925.
Sparkbrook safety bicycles were built to a high standard and by the turn of the century the company had a wide model range. The ‘Grand’ was their flagship model, with an oil bath chaincase and various components produced under license from Lea Francis. Sparkbrooks of this age had a unique rear brake linkage, operated by cables rather than brake rods (illustrated here).
This example was the most expensive Sparkbrook Grand, fitted with a BSA 3-speed gear and the ‘Oil Tight’ gear case that was built onto the frame (like a Sunbeam). Its 1906 price was £18 15/- while the comparative Sunbeam was 16 guineas and the Lea Francis (1907) was 17 guineas. Sparkbrook’s unique cast rear carrier rack (seen here) was an optional extra.
This superb Sparkbrook Grand is in excellent all-round condition apart from the saddle, which is usable but broken at the front. The paintwork is original with some of its box lining remaining, and the two transfers (decals) on the chaincase and steering head are just about legible. This is a well-maintained machine and is ready for duty under new ownership.
CABLE OPERATED REAR BRAKE
SPARKBROOK OIL TIGHT CHAINCASE
