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1930s Development and Depression |
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A change in frame dimensions occurred in 1927 with J.A.P. and Rudge Python engines superceding Blackburne in the 1930s. The demise of the Blackburne range and the drying up of supplies of Rudge Pythons after 1936 left no choice but J.A.P. engines for the bigger machines.
The triangulated frames gave an advantageous strength/weigh ratio since the straight members obviated the need for thick tubes and substantial lugs. Consequently, Cottons were successful as sprint and track machines, and in one twelve hour session at Brooklands in 1935, Eric Fernihough and Charles Mortimer broke twelve world records on a 250 Cotton J.A.P.
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The depression of the 1930s took its toll and the firm became bankrupt in 1940. The bulk of Cotton production in the later 1930s was sold by Pride and Clarke Ltd. and had helped keep them going. The firm of E. Cotton (Motorcycles) Ltd., formed in 1954 in the Quay Street premises, had only loose associations with the original firm. |
Gloucester Made > Motorcycle Manufacture > 1930s Development and Depression