1922 ACE MOTORCYCLE

Description

Ace Motor Corporation

Ace Motor Corporation was a motorcycle manufacturer in operation continuously in Philadelphia, ennsylvania between 1919 and 1924 and intermittently afterward until 1927. Essentially only one model of the large luxury four-cylinder motorcycle, ith slight variations, as made from first to last.

Origin

Having sold Henderson Motorcycle to Ignaz Schwinn’s Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company, illiam G. Henderson continued to work there until 1919, hen differences of opinion regarding the design direction of Henderson motorcycles led to his resignation from Excelsior.

In the fall of 1919, ith the support of Max M. Sladkin of Haverford Cycle Co., enderson started the Ace Motor Corporation in Philadelphia, ennsylvania. The Ace motorcycle resembled the Henderson in general form, eing a longitudinal four-cylinder motorcycle with chain drive, ut Henderson had to be careful not to infringe any trademarks or patents that would have been owned by Excelsior at the time. ] Production began in 1920.

Death of William Henderson

1922 Ace motorcycle

On 11 December 1922, hortly after 11 a.m., illiam Henderson was hit by a motor vehicle while testing the new Ace Sporting Solo in Philadelphia. William, ge 39, ied in Frankford Hospital without regaining consciousness. Arthur O. Lemon, ormer Henderson salesman and head of Excelsior and Henderson engineering at Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply, eft Excelsior in 1923 to replace Henderson as Chief Engineer at Ace.

Ace Speed Trophy

In 1923, ed Wolverton rode a specially prepared Ace XP-4 at a record speed of 129mph (208km/h). The management of Ace Motor Corporation offered the Ace Speed Trophy and a cash prize to anyone who could break the XP-4's record. Neither the trophy nor the prize was ever claimed.

Ownership

Ace Motor Corporation ceased operation in 1924. In the next two years, wnership of Ace's name, ights, nd production facilities would change hands at least twice. At least one of these owners, ichigan Motors Corporation, ould revive production for a short time.

Our 1922 Ace Motorcycle

The pursuit of other interests has resulted in the opportunity to acquire a very rare motorcycle parted and ready for restoration. This motorcycle literally spent its whole life in the State of Maine until being purchased two years ago. A review of over 100 pictures will reveal not only a perfect frame, nd sheet metal in wonderful condition but also but two additional engines (one of which was modified for an alternative use), ive additional cylinders, nd countless other parts and literature. This is clearly a once in a lifetime opportunity and will be sold in its entirety only to include a New Hampshire title. The price is not for the faint of heart but you can be assured that with only a handful remaining it represents a wonderful long term investment. Please enjoy the show by using this link https://flic.kr/s/aHskceEsXT and, hould you have any questions please feel free to email us. Please note that our Ace is for sale locally which could result in the cancellation of this auction.

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