Phelon & Rayner 1.75 hp
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The first machines in the Panther motorcycle family tree were made by Phelon and Rayner (P&R). There was only one P&R model which had a 1.75 h.p., 260 cc. engine with 66 x 76 mm bore and stroke fitted in a standard bicycle type 28" frame (with 23" and 26" options). It was fitted with a surface carburettor, single speed friction disc transmission, a 9 pint combined oil and fuel tank, bicycle pattern front forks and 28" x 2" wheels (except for the 23" frame option that had 26" x 1&5/8" wheels). The colour scheme was black frame and mudguards with an aluminium enameled fuel tank with coach lining.[1]
A prototype was built in 1900 based on a patented design [2]. The key innovation was to replace the frame's front down-tube with a four rod frame that held a small de Dion type engine. This 'Sloper' engine was the hallmark of P&M / Panther motorcycles until the last Model 120 more than sixty years later. Production machines of the same design as this prototype were hand-built in 1901 through to 1903.[1]
[edit] Development
This model was the first motorcycle produced by P&R.[1]
- 1900 - Prototype built
- 1901 - First production model
- 1902 -
- 1903 - Last production model