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Raynal De Luxe Autocycle 1939

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1939 Raynal Autocycle, a classic British autocycle from 30s. The model was derived from the prototype built by G.H. Jones in 1936 for Villiers company. About 8000 units had been produced from 1937 to 1950.

1914. The name Raynal was first seen on a simple lightweight powered by a 269cc Villiers engine. Basic in design, it had a two-speed Albion gearbox and chain-cum-belt transmission. Production soon came to an end, probably due to the outbreak of war. According to some sources, after WW1 Raynal continued to build this model, in very limited numbers, until around 1922.

1936. Raynal Mfg.Co.Ltd., a cycle manufacturer based in Birmingham started to built Raynal Autocycle with 98cc Villiers Junior engine. Raynal became the first manufacturer using this engine, but there was to be no monopoly, as Villiers licensed its motor to many more companies over the following years. The first Raynal Autocycle model had rigid fork, but soon a more luxurious version with spring fork was added.

1937. Autocycle was launched in September, for the 1938 season.

1938. At the Earls Court Show Review there were two Raynal machines on offer: de-Luxe (with spring fork) and Popular (without, and one guinea cheaper).

1940. Production of Autocycle was terminated. There’s no confirmation about how the plant was deployed during war. Munitions work seems likely.

1946. Short after WW2 production of Raynal Autocycle was resumed. Post-war autocycle featured spring fork and the same JDL engine.

1947. The previous model was replaced with improved version, sold at the price of £52 19s 6d. Inflation nearly tripled the cost of the machine over the decade, since the autocycle was originally launched for just £18 18s 0d in 1937. The new Autocycle had better shock-absorption, engine side covers and built-in leg-shields.

1949. Villiers introduced the 2F engine to replace the JDL but Raynal never produced a machine using this power unit. It was the first manufacturer using Junior engine, it was also the last one.

1950. Raynal was bought out by Tube Investments, and production of Raynal Autocycle ceased. Long time Managing Director A.B. Jackson left Raynal at this time, to set up his own company ABJ, and produced a new autocycle frame to take the Villiers 2F motor.

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