McEVOY

1000cc Special Long-Stroke 8/45 & Montgomery Sidecar - 1927

Ready to race

Michael McEvoy, previously with Rolls-Royce, established his company in Derby in 1926 with, amateur rider Cecil Allerhead "Archie" Birkin (brother of Bentley's Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin) and ex-Brough Superior rider-engineer George W. Patchett, later a talented designer for Jawa and FN. Sadly, Archie Birkin was killed practicing for the 1927 TT.

Ahead of its Time

The grand finale of the association between McEvoy and Patchett (which resulted in some very sporty motorcycles) came in 1929, with an amazing 350cc ohc three-valve, unit-construction engine plus 591 and 987cc overhead-cam fours with optional electric-start.

End of Production

The end of production in 1929 prevented these prototypes from reaching the public, and McEvoy turned to the importation of Zoller superchargers. The best-known McEvoys were powered by the same 1000cc JAP engine as the Brough Superior. There were even eight-valve racing versions, and on April 20, 1927 at Brooklands, Patchett completed five laps at an average of almost 101 mph on a McEvoy-JAP. His best lap was at over 106 mph. He also raced the same bike fitted with a supercharger. In 1927, McEvoy offered no fewer than 12 models: a 175 Villiers-engined two-stroke, 350 and 500 singles powered by JAP or Blackburne engines and several variations on the V-twin theme. These included the 996cc ohv Vulpine plus JAP's 980cc side-valve and Special Long Stroke 996cc 8/45 hp units. The Special 8/45 cost $765, while the Standard 8/45 was $585 and the 175cc just $170.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 996cc (80x99 mm) air-cooled 50-degree V-twin four-stroke

Power Rating: 50 hp

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: two twin float-chamber Amal carburetors

Transmission: Sturmey-Archer 3-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 27 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 440 lb

Maximum Speed: 110 mph

This fine McEvoy is coupled to a Montgomery Supersport sidecar in aluminum; the sidecar was priced according to finish. Montgomery also built big, sporty bikes.