Gloucester-based Cotton established its reputation with a string of racing successes in the 1920s thanks to an innovative frame patented by its founder, Frank Willoughby Cotton. Cotton’s design featured four straight tubes running from the steering head to the rear wheel spindle, augmented by further straight stays supporting the gearbox and engine. The result was a stiff, lightweight chassis far in advance of the bicycle-derived diamond-type frame used by the majority of manufacturers. Like other small independent firms Cotton relied on proprietary engines but such was the advantage conferred by its frame that the Cotton had little trouble seeing off similarly powered rivals. The legendary Stanley Woods made his Isle of Man TT debut on a Cotton in 1922, going on to win the Junior event at record speed the following year. Countless wins and placings were achieved in international events throughout the 1920s, Cotton’s finest TT achievement occurring in 1926 when its entries finished 1, 2, 3 in the 250 Lightweight race.
The 1934 Cotton-JAP 490cc Model 25J is excellent overall condition from the MotoTalbott Museum in Camel, California. It has been re-commissioned to ready it for sale, but further fettling may be necessary before returning it to regular road use.
Engine no. KO/Z 76511/S
Location: Ventura, California
SOLD
