1951 Cyclemaster 26cc
on J.A. Grose Light Roadster Ladies’ Bicycle
21″ Frame
26″ Wheels
(Now sold)
This Cyclemaster was purchased by Mrs Violet May Ward, of Pinner, Middlesex on 15th September 1951, from James Grose Ltd for £29 19/- 3d. Its history file includes various original documentation. There’s the original logbook and a 1957 tax disc (below), plus insurance certificates and receipts from the motor tax dept relating to the original owner. It is currently registered with a V5C doc (742 UXU).
I used to restore classic cars. In 2006, when I bought this 1951 Cyclemaster, I also owned a 1951 Austin A90 Atlantic. So I photographed them together to illustrate two vehicles very much at opposite ends of the UK motoring market.
I sold this Cyclemaster in 2006 to a customer in Argentina, who planned to fly over to me in England and take it back with him. I retained the registration number in preparation for its export (subsequently transferred to a car). However, he did not arrive and, after 3 years storing it for him, I refunded him and decided to keep it. Last months I got it out of storage. The bicycle is in good mechanical condition with original paintwork. The fuel system has been cleaned, but it will need the ignition system servicing before it will run.
JAMES GROSE Ltd
379-381 Euston Rd, London, NW1
James Grose put their own badges onto bicycles supplied to them by other well-known manufacturers (a common practice). The badge name for cycles supplied by James Grose Ltd was Jagrose. When the Cyclemaster was launched in 1951, Grose also started supplying cyclemotors for customer to fit themselves. This advert illustrates a Cyclemaster at £27 10/- and Minimotor for £21. Or you could purchase one with the engine already fitted, as in the example presented here.
