The Douglas Engineering Company, formed in Bristol by brothers William and Edward in 1882, was at first a blacksmith's shop but soon expanded to become an iron foundry. After the turn of the century and the advent of the motor vehicle, the brothers soon became involved in the development of engines. They were renowned for horizontally opposed twin-cylinder bikes and as manufacturers of furious speedway machines. There were no less than five incarnations of the Douglas throughout its somewhat bumpy history. Despite this, Douglas enjoyed competitive success and helped establish the flat twin as a practical engine layout for motorcycles. This configuration lowered the centre of gravity and provided a smooth delivery of power. The attractive external fly wheel was also a signature mark which, when lightly struck, produced a wonderfully clear and consistent note. The native timber hand grips and brake pads were a common solution, as the demands of WWII placed pressure on the rubber supply. For the same reason, the main belt drive was constructed from canvas layers. The final model, the Dragonfly, still a horizontally opposed twin, was announced in 1954 with production finally ending in 1957. This fine example has recently been restored to a very high standard.