Craigslist "funnies"

[Buffalo Bill]

I think that's actually pretty cool.

I bet you could make your own now you've seen the picture.

[SVSooke]

Ape hangers was a genius idea! Popular with the regressive hominoid.

WW2 era Brockhouse Corgi Motorcycle Parts or Repair. Price:US $1,400.00

I thought this looked like the bikes they dropped with the British Para's in WW2 but not quite.It's the post war civilian version of the Airbornes Welbike. Bet a WW2 version my be worth a bit more

[Buffalo Bill]

What, the Nazi's were expected to laugh them selves to death when they saw Brit paratroops attacking on these?

[loud et]

Those handlebars look like they flip down and back for transport.
.....or flip them forward and down and you have raked out chopper forks. Ha

[oregonjake]

Asd a trained historian I am always intrigued by something I have never seen before, especially when it is a machine.

This is a fascinating piece of motorcycling history...

From Wikipedia (which I hate to use as a primary source but in this case...)

The Corgi Motorcycle Co Ltd. was a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Southport that produced 98 cc scooters developed by managing director John Dolphin from the military Welbike motorcycle.[1] Production of the Corgi scooter for the UK market began in 1948 and 27,050 were manufactured before production ended in October 1954


The main difference between the Corgi scooter and the Welbike were that frame was more solid (as weight was no longer such an issue) and the Corgi had a fuel tank in the normal motorcycle position between the handlebars and the saddle. Both were otherwise very similar with small wheels and folding handlebars and seat. Both had 98 cc two-stroke engine with a single gear. The original Corgi scooter was started by pushing, but the Mark 2 was fitted with a kick start and two clutches – a conventional handlebar operated clutch and a "dog-clutch" operated by folding down the right hand footrest to engage the rear wheel, to enable the Corgi to be kick-started and run whilst stationary


Brockhouse Engineering of Southport built Corgi scooters, powered by an Excelsior Spryt Autocycle engine)[2] under licence. Many of these were exported to the United States between 1947 to 1954. Sold through a department store, the Corgi was branded the Indian Papoose in the US market.[5] Production of the Corgi scooter for the UK market began in 1948. 27,050 were manufactured before production ended in October 1954


A Brockhouse Corgi owners' club was restarted in 2011 for everyone interested in the machine. Its aim was to assist owners restore their Corgis and to inform other interested parties of the machine's history.

http://brockhousecorgiclub.com/

[fred smailes]

Get the red one running and ride!! DO NOT RESTORE,,,
TOO COOL!!!

[Brendan W]

Like many other classic devices, I believe they look cool instantly because they were designed to do a particular job and at some level that strikes a chord. It's like we can tell the difference between a true machine and a fashion statement on sight.
Is it my imagination or is there a big difference in final gearing between the two in the picture ?
Flyers feel the need.................................

[Grimly]

What, the Nazi's were expected to laugh them selves to death when they saw Brit paratroops attacking on these?

"Fast Personal Mobility on the Battlefield."
Only thing was, the first plough rut or French pothole would have them ar£e over tyt and sprawled on the ground.
Another Glorious Failure.

[dorkburger]

Get the red one running and ride!! DO NOT RESTORE,,,
TOO COOL!!!

Agreed. This is exactly why my old scooter will never be restored...

[Buffalo Bill]

They would be useful scootering around a large military base or airfield.
Useless off road.
Can't imagine any rank riding one in dress uniform.

[Gorminrider]

"Fast Personal Mobility on the Battlefield."
Only thing was, the first plough rut or French pothole would have them ar£e over tyt and sprawled on the ground.
Another Glorious Failure.

I dunno about that. WWII wasn't a trench war and Roads were very important in the European theater. Having a compact way to utilize them could be very useful .
I think the German army was fond of bicycles rushing through Belgium- it only looked funny for a short while.

[Buffalo Bill]

Well, after 75 years these still look funny.
The Brits have a great sense of humor, with far too many comedians to count.

[JamesWhut?]

They were supposed to be use by messengers during the first few days after D-day to go between headquarters and command posts in the rear areas before telephone lines and the long range radio nets were set up.

[oregonjake]

I think they would be cool riding around a motorcycle show or swap meet. Makes a statement and you can get around large areas in style (plus carry parts you find.)

I could see John Cleese riding one as a English officer in full dress. Now that would be funny.

[JamesWhut?]

The original "pit bike".