Marketed by P & R Williams Pty. Ltd., 1914 to 1951
74-78 Wentworth Ave., Sydney.
318 Hunter St. West. Newcastle. (1951)
The first mention of the Waratah appears to be in the Queanbeyan Age, Friday 3 November 1911, stating that it was fitted with a 4½ h.p. Fafnir engine and that "The Waratah is too well known among motor cyclists to need any labored praise here..." suggesting that the Waratah was already well established in the market. The article speaks of the Canada Cycle and Motor Agency, Ltd being a prominent exhibitor at a local show. Advertisements in the Sydney Morning Herald from September and October 1911 show this company advertising Waratah Motorcycles for sale, which they describe as "English. They were in fact rebadged Sun motorcycles.
W.A. Williams had been the manager of the Sydney branch of the Canada firm and in 1905 he bought it, retaining the name until 1913. In 1913 the bicycle and motorcycle part of the business was taken over by his sons, Perce and Reg, and the name was changed to Williams Bros., and later to P&R Williams.
1928 advertisements claimed "10½ miles for one penny - the world's most economical means of Transportation."
In 1929 two models were described in several articles published in Brisbane detailing improvements over the previous year's models:
The "Utility" 1½ h.p. model now had a heavier frame and a saddle tank with a red enamel panel. A three speed gearbox with clutch and starter were fitted. Wheels were larger being 26 x 2.5 and both were fitted with 5in. diameter internal brakes, along with Villiers electric lighting. There was a "positive handlebar anchorage twist grip control" and soft top saddle. The quoted fuel effeciency is 160 mpg, with other running costs being negligible.
The larger, 2½ h.p. sports model was of the same construction but had a two gallon petrol tank, separate oil tank and 25 x 3.25 well-base tyres. It had the 2½ h.p. 247 c.c. sports Villiers engine with twin ports and detachable aluminium cylinder head. Apparently it was an excellent hill climber and fast, and was capable of 55 mph. It was fitted with a three speed gearbox, clutch and kick starter, and had 6V electrics, including a battery. It was fitted with a separate oil tank and had larger brakes than the 1½ h.p. model.
They were being sold by Morgan and Wacker of Elizabeth Street, Brisbane.
The Brisbane Courier, entries Nov 1928 to April 1929.
Their 1948 model was almost identical to the British Excelsior Universal motorcycle of 1936, and was powered by a Villiers 125cc engine. They also rebadged Norman motorcycles.
At the time, the Waratah was claimed to be one of the very few machines to be made in Sydney. The Waratah was the longest running of all motorcycle brands made in Australia.
1932 Models Arrive.
THE British Motor Cycle Company has received a batch of the new 1932 model Waratah motor cycles.
These machines are totally redesigned, having visible top rail, tapering away under the saddle, and giving an exceptionally low riding position, and gaining very high ground clearance
An interesting feature is the enclosed webbing of the front forks, making them exceptionally strong and practically unbreakable.
The machine, which is quite an attractive lightweight, is fitted with electric light, battery, and dimmer, soft top saddle, and balloon tyres. The engine is a Villiers 147 c.c. two-cycle type, giving remarkable brake horsepower. Petrol consumption is estimated at approximately 150 miles to the gallon The machine is quite suitable for Queensland road conditions.
All persons interested should not fail to inspect this impressive English lightweight machine, which is now on display at the showrooms of the British Motor Cycle Co., 205 Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
Trove NLA Brisbane Courier Dec 3, 1931
Sources: Simon Fleming, et al.
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