An Iconic Piece of Machinery is Born
The History of J.A.P
John Alfred Prestwich was an English engineer and designer. He gained acclaim for a number of his designs, which included early cinematography equipment, and worked with such dignitaries as S.Z. de Ferranti and the cinematic pioneer, William Friese-Greene. In the motorcycling world, he is best known for the motorcycle engines that his company produced, namely the J.A.P engine.
Alfred’s engines sooned gained a reputation for unrivalled power and reliability. In the early eays, his engines were used in his own motorcycles but they would soon become extremely popular with many other manufacturers. The engines were widely used across many famous motorcycle marques and other equipment, such as early aircraft, chainsaws, cultivators such as those produced by Rotovators and light rail maintenance trucks. Within the motorcycle manufacturing industry, Alfred’s customers included Brough Superior, Excelsior, Cotton, Triumph, HRD and Matchless to name but a few. The motorcycle engines were associated with racing success and were still used in speedway bikes well into the 1960s. They also gained popularity outside of the UK and were were exported to many different countries. Customers included Ardie, Hecker and Tornax in Germany including many in Australia such as Invincible.
J.A.Prestwich Ltd was founded in 1895 when John Alfred Prestwich was in his early twenties.
In 1903, the first Triumph motorcycle powered by a J.A.P 293cc engine was built and sold.
The first complete J.A.P machines were manufactured between 1904 and 1908.
V-Twin engine goes into production in 1905. Its contribution to the motorcycling and motoring world has been nothing less than phenomenal.
In 1910, the Morgan Motor Company introduced the 'Morgan Runabout' powered by a single cylinder 4hp and twin cylinder 8hp J.A.P engine.
First Brough Superior goes into production in 1921. The machine had an OHV J.A.P engine.
The SS100 was introduced in 1925 and approximately 400 of these were made in addition to another 100 with Matchless engines. Lawrence of Arabia is pictured on one of his SS100s.
A 1957 1000cc Norton Cafe Racer built by Dave Cameron featuring a J.A.P engine sold at Bonhams for £21,850 (photo credit: Bonhams)
An amazing barn find emerged in a derelict Cornwall barn; eight Brough motorcycles dating from 1926-1939 who were collected by Frank Vague. The bikes had been stored for more than 50 years (photo credit: Adrian Brown / BBC)
Krazy Horse has been working hard to bring the J.A.P brand back to the iconic 3 Wheeler Morgan by manufacturing and supplying a J.A.P branded version of the S&S X-Wedge engine to those who want a more exclusive 3 wheel experience.
The resurrected brand is officially re-launched in the capable hands of Krazy Horse. Krazy Horse is now licenced to promote and sell J.A.P branded parts and goods.
Krazy Horse launch new website to promote and sell J.A.P branded engine covers, clothing and accessories. Additional branded parts and apparel will be listed as and when they become available.
Timeline updated as and when we make history.