Ambassador Motorcycles

 

Ambassador Motorcycles was a British motorcycle manufacturer. Founded by racer Kaye Don after the Second World War, the company produced lightweight motorcycles with Villiers and JAP engines and imported Zundapps from Germany. Production started in 1947 with a 197 cc Villiers-engined bikes. In 1953 a model was produced with electric starters and the first Ambassador twin appeared in 1957. The company was taken over by DMW in 1963 who continued production until they closed the company in 1965.

History

Founded by Irish motorcycle racer and 1920’s Brooklands star Kaye Don in 1946 as “U.S. Concessionaires Ltd.” The company was started to import American cars. Motorcycle development started with a 494 cc vertical twin JAP-engined prototype. In 1947 the small Villiers engines were introduced and proved successful so were used until 1964. Ambassador motorcycles were costly and did not sell well, but exports to Australia and New Zealand were successful.

Models

1951-First model introduced in the year 1951 called 'Popular'. Villiers engine powered fitted with girder forks were used untill the year 1953.

1951-Second model named as 'Courier'

1951-'Embassy'

1951-This was the first fully sprung ambassador with telescopic forks and plunger rear suspension. The model is named as 'Supreme'. 

1953- 'Side car' introduced with 197cc, villiers engine.

1953- 'Self Starter' with 197cc, villiers engine.

1954- '225cc supreme' introduced with swinging arm rear suspension

1956-'150cc Popular' with villiers 30c engine.

1956-'Envoy' with villiers engine.

1957-'250cc twin' with villiers engine.

1958-'Statesman' with 175cc engine.

1959-'Popular'

1959-'3 star special'

1959-'Envoy'

1959-'Super S'

1961-'Electra 75'

1961-'Sport Twin'

1961-'175cc Scooter'

1962-'197cc Popular'

1962-'50cc Moped' introduced with villiers 3K two-speed