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Autocycle - Malvern Star 'Auto-byke', circa 1948
Reg. No: ST 035717
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- Summary:
- This unrestored example of a Malvern Star Auto-byke was purchased by the Museum in 1985.
The Malvern Star brand was established in 1898 and was acquired by Bruce Small in 1920. Prior to this date a small number of motorcycles were produced by the company using imported British-built JAP engines. The company expanded to become Australia's leading manufacturer and assembler of bicycles by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. The Malvern Star Auto-byke was first introduced after the Second World War as an economical, lightweight motorised bicycle at a time when few cars were available and petrol was still rationed. Malvern Star assembled the machine in Australia using locally-made frames and a variety of imported components including a British-built 98cc single-cylinder Villers Mk. 1 Junior two-stroke engine with a two-speed gearbox. Small had obtained an exclusive Australian licence for these engines in 1945. Similar machines were made in Britain and sold in Australia under the Excelsior brand from 1937 with the same 98cc Villiers engine. Advertising for the Auto-byke promised "fun and adventure in the great outdoors."
The Museum's Malvern Star Auto-byke was built in about 1948 and cost 24 Pounds when new. Previous owners include Mr Ted Manders of Pascoe Vale and a Mr Clarke in Altona. The Museum also holds an earlier Malvern Star autocycle which incorporates a 49cc French-built Mobylette engine. In the post-1945 years Malvern Star also sold a diminutive 32cc Berini cycle-motor priced at around 8 Pounds. This unit could be fitted over the front forks of any bicycle and was claimed to achieve a fuel economy figure of 240 miles per gallon. Malvern Star also acted as agents for imported Vespa, Jawa and CZ motorcycles and motor scooters which combined with the end of petrol rationing soon made the autocycle obsolete.
| Discipline: | Technology |
| Dimensions: | 1150 mm (Height), 580 mm (Width), 1900 mm (Length) |
More information
| Tagged with: | motor cycles, bmx, victoria 49 c c 1965 |
| Themes this item is part of: | Transport Collection, Motor Cycle Collection |
| Primary Classification: | ROAD TRANSPORT |
| Secondary Classification: | Motor Cycles |
| Tertiary Classification: | motor cycles |
| Past Owner: | Mr & Mrs Clarke, Altona North, Victoria, Australia Mr & Mrs Clarke were the owners previous to auction. Ted Manders was also a previous owner. |
| Past Owner: | Mr Ted Manders, Pascoe Vale, Victoria, Australia Mr & Mrs Clarke were the owners previous to auction. Ted Manders was also a previous owner. |
Comments
The auto byte is in original condition, so any tips on resturation would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Does anyone know where we could source any wheels for these bikes?
Thanks
Also some good clear photo's of the same around this year and later
I am interested in your Autocycle, if you can email me details at cam49er@bigpond.com
All the best
Thanks.
Graham
regards alan