Phoenix 2hp

Key facts

Year

1904
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

345cc
Cylinders

1
Valves

Side
Performance

30mph
Price new

£42
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Phoenix Motors Ltd

Phoenix was one of a number of early British motorcycle manufacturers that used imported engines, in this case a Belgian made Minerva. The company offered a choice of belt drive or chain drive with two speed gear as seen on this 2hp model which was described in the 1904 catalogue as a ‘powerful touring machine’.

Belgian born racing cyclist and motorcyclist J Van Hooydonk started making motorcycles under the Phoenix name in 1900, setting up the Phoenix Motor Co. in 1903. A range of motorcycles and tricycles was offered along with a forecar attachment marketed as the ‘Trimo’. The last motorcycle was produced in 1908 although Phoenix continued building cars until 1926.