Matador

Matador motorcycles were produced from 1923 to 1927 in Preston to a design by Bert Houlding.

• Bradshaw engines were used throughout the lifespan of the marque, and the first machines were fitted with the 349cc oil-cooled ohv version. Other standard fittings were all-chain drive and a three-speed gearbox. Braking was via both brakes acting independently on the rear wheel.

• 1924 Webb centre-spring forks were fitted, and the range expanded to include the 348cc engine in either sv or ohv form. Models for 1924 were the Semi-sports de Luxe, the Combination de Luxe for sidecar use, and the Super-Sports with an OHV Blackburne. Other special features included patent adjustable handlebars and a patent silencer. During that year Bert Houlding left the company.

• 1925 Production continued with the addition of a model fitted with the two-port 344cc ohv JAP engine. Brampton forks were fitted and one brake per wheel became the norm.

• 1926 The JAP engine was dropped and the company returned to using only Bradshaw. The standard model was joined by a TT replica, with a roller- bearing engine, Webb forks, a close-ratio gearbox and three brakes (one front, two rear).

• 1927 Without the input of Bert Houlding the Matador design had become stuck in the doldrums. The firm offered two machines as a standard and a Super Sports, but it was their final year.