A Brief History of the Marque
Made in High Street Alperton, Middlesex, between 1912 and 1917, the firm built small capacity V-twins and a 199cc single.
The motorcycles were built under licence from Moto-Rêve, with limited production. The machine's main purpose was to fill a need for transport during the early years of World War I. It had a 2hp 199cc four-stroke V-twin engine with an overhead inlet valve. The exhaust pipe ran from the rear of the engine. There was no sign of the machine in 1915, but it made an appearance in 1916 - probably with a 3hp two-stroke engine.
The story of Moto-Rêve in England is a tad confusing, with a variety of company names and addresses involved. According to both Bonhams and The Motor Cycle (1914), the Alp firm was established by Moto-Rêve. However, it may well be that Frank Feeney, who owned the Motor Supply Company in Lewisham, South London, was involved. Some demystification may be forthcoming in a letter from Sylvia Feeney-Brown on the Moto-Reve page.
A remarkably cheap but well-finished lightweight is being marketed by the Moto-Reve Co., Ltd., Alperton, Middlesex, known as the Alp. A 3 h.p. four-stroke engine of 62 x 85 mm. bore and stroke, 257 c.c. with overhead inlet valve, supplies the driving power through a Wata-Wata belt. 26in. x 2in. Hutchinsons, Druid forks, and magneto ignition are used, and the general outfit of the little machine, which scales 106 lb., is quite excellent.
The Motor Cycle, August 27th, 1914.
Moto-Reve Co., LTD., Alp Eng. Works, Alperton, Essex.
Sources: Graces Guide, Tragatch, Eric Tindall, The Motor Cycle, Bonhams.
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