Debenham Sisters
Betty and Nancy Debenham, with their dog, Poncho, were keen motorcyclists. Nancy won a Gold Medal at Brooklands in 1926.
The Debenham Sisters
Manufactured by Comet Motors, Bruxelles, 1949-1951. These were powered bicycles and tandems with a 63cc two-stroke auxiliary engine mounted in the hub of the rear wheel. The engines were from Société des Ateliers Hanrez, also of Brussells, and were badged "Comet Hanrez", so it's possible the companies were the same. These engines were fitted to mopeds built by Chemineau of Saint-Etienne in 1954.
Address of Comet:
Address of Hanrez:
Country of origin: Belgium. Built by Ateliers Hanrez, Monceau-sur-Sambre. Obram patent. Represented by S.A. Comet Motors, 25 Rue Léopold Ier, Brussels. Stand 1003, Hall 3. One model. Displacement: 63 cc. Two-stroke. Bore: 45 mm. Stroke: 38 mm. Power: 2.5 hp. Engine speed: 4,500 rpm. Flat-top piston. Amal carburetor. Obram magneto. Rear hub mounting. Reduction gear transmission. Frame-mounted fuel tank. Handlebar-mounted throttle and clutch controls. Consumption: 2.25 L per 100 km. Petrol-oil mixture: 40 g of oil per 1 liter of petrol. Controlled clutch. Speed: 50 km/h. Weight: 10 kg.
KEY ADVANTAGES: This engine is the most powerful in its displacement class. It is specially designed for poor roads or for the colonies. Direct drive to the rear wheel, without friction roller or chain. It can be quickly fitted to any bicycle or tandem model. A drum brake is built into the engine. Monobloc engine design. Reduction pinion made of special Cr-Ni steel. Reinforced rear hub axle. Available separately or as a complete motorized bicycle.
Translation of a French article c.1951
Sources: 1. Company advertising. 2. HD Classic Belgium. 3. OTTW. 4. A-Z der Belgische Motoren.
N.B. At least two manufacturers of light engines used the "Comet" brand, as did many others in the field. Comet Marques
