Forum

[Reds]

Gents,

A elderly friend of mine who has not got internet is thinking about buying a 1945 WD/CO Enfield from a neighbour of his. I have not seen it as he is in Devon but was restored 8 years ago and not covered many miles since. He has asked if I know what this model is like. I thought I would ask your advice with regards to this model.

Reds

[nigelphoto]

Last one I saw on carandclassic went for £3,750 and had been fully resto'd about four years ago. Matching numbers and original plate etc etc.

[Mark M]

One of the best of the WW2 military bikes. But that might mean rather low geared for today's roads as military bikes were not expected to go much faster than 50. You could fix that on the gearing, obviously! Otherwise, quite nice I'd say, (I haven't ridden a CO but I have ridden the superficially similar WD/C sidevalve,) and it must have been good enough because it lived on as the Model G for many years. Parts supply is excellent from our Hosts and prices of WD machines are rising quite fast at the moment!

REgards, Mark

[papasmurf]

From the Bonhams website:- sold for £3910
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15320/lot/591/

[WDCO42]

I own one for quite 20 years, and can testify that it's a wonderfull lively and trusty bike !
There are some points to look at, especially the bottom end ( a 70 years old thing) and the girder fork bushes. the good new is that all that can be repaired or improved by the parts sold by our host

[Reds]

Well well well ,

Have you ever bought something when you was not looking to buy anything.

That's what I have done and I am thrilled I have. I had a drive down to the West Country to see relatives and popped in at my old friend who wanted the advice I asked on this thread.

Anyway he decided against buying the bike , I went to look at the said item at his neighbours and yes I bought it.

A 1945 maroon WDCO 350 Enfield. It is beautiful 4 owners from new and the original old buff log book with stamps previous keeper etc .

It was restored in 2006 and done less than 200 miles since I test rode it and what a thumping exhaust note a lovely sedate ride

So now I have company for my recently purchased 1960 bullet. Which one to ride this weekend up to old warden.

Reds

[Lee B]

Nice one. The only unexpected buys I have are for impromptu DIY jobs needed! SIGH!