1957 ENSIGN £850

The Ensign was a 148cc development of the Flying Flea/re that appeared in 1953. It featured a novel form of undamped rear suspension where a spring box was fitted to the ends of a conventional rigid frame with the wheel attached to a swinging arm that passed through the box, supported by compression and rebound springs.

“These bikes sell surprisingly easily, too,” says Allan. “Probably because they are unusual. It makes a change from a BSA Bantam or Villiers-engined bike – and being simple they make a fairly easy project for a rebuild. Again, parts supply is generally good – tin-ware is the problem, as always. Mudguards and toolboxes are difficult to find, but this one at least is reasonably complete. We have plenty of engine and gearbox bits, and wheel, brake and fork parts, so no problems there. Again, Miller electrics are tricky – but we are currently looking into the manufacture of Miller embossed headlights which will solve one of the biggest headaches. Later models use Lucas, which is no problem.”