1954 BSA-JAP 1000cc Motorcycle

Description

Engineer John Alfred Prestwich began manufacturing scientific instruments in the London suburb of Tottenham in the latter part of the 19th Century and went on to have a prolific career, making everything from cameras and projectors to all manner of engines for motorcycles, cyclecars and even aircraft. The first motorcycle engines emerged from J A Prestwich & Co. in 1902, followed by complete motorcycles a couple of years later. Preferring to concentrate on supplying engines to other manufacturers, JAP became the preferred source of motive power for well-known brands like Triumph, AJS and Enfield. Even Brough Superior, the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles, chose JAP for their legendary products. Large number of bikes were exported to manufacturers on the Continent, particularly in France and Germany and JAP also developed the first overhead-valve motors in the UK. After switching to supplying the military with industrial engines and parts during the Second World War, the company was re-organised in the years that followed. Becoming J A Prestwich Industries in 1951, the firm was renowned in the motorcycle world for their big V-twins and speedway engines. JAP became synonymous with motor sport in the 1950s, particularly speedway and dirt track events but the big four-stroke was also used extensively in Formula 500 (and later Formula 3 events) by teams like that of future Formula One World Championship constructor John Cooper. Ultimately absorbed by parent company Villiers in 1964, the legendary JAP name still resonates with speedway enthusiasts around the world today, particularly here in Australia.