1950s Revival with Villiers 2 strokes

The Cotton works continued their light engineering work after the 1939-1945 War and made no effort to re-enter the motorcycle market, although spares were still supplied for existing machines. The firm was in somewhat dire straits by the 1950s, and Mr. Cotton decided to retire. It was re-constituted as E. Cotton (Motorcycles) Ltd. under the direction of Pat Onions and Monty Denley.

The vintage triangulated Cotton frames were now obsolete as the post-war market dictated rear springing. The first machine, produced on a part-time basis until 1957, was the VULCAN. All parts, except the frame, were bought in and assembled on the premises. The various models were mostly powered by Villiers units, either singles or twins, but for a short spell c.1956-7, certain models such as the COTANZA were offered with British Anzani engines. Other models included the HERALD, MESSENGER, DOUBLE GLOUCESTER, CONTINENTAL, CORSAIR and CONQUEST.