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DKR Scooters
DKR Dove 1957
DKR was a scooter produced in Wolverhampton from 1957 to 1966. DKR was formed in 1957, by Barry Day and Noah Robinson, who were directors of the Willenhall Motor Radiator Co, and industrialist Cyril Kieft, who also built racing cars. The company was run from premises at Pendeford Airport.
1957 The first model was launched, in July, as the Dove. The machine was stylish, if somewhat weighty, and was fitted with a 147cc Villiers 30C engine, fan cooling and a three-speed gearbox.
1958 The Dove was joined by the 148cc 31C engine Pegasus and the 197cc 9E engine Defiant. All were fitted with the same chassis and body. The Defiant was powered by a 197cc, blower-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke Villiers engine. It had a Siba Dynastart electric starter, which ensured first time starting, a four-speed gearbox, and a Villiers carburettor. Its maximum speed was 60mph and the petrol consumption was 90mpg at 30mph The machine sold for £189.15s.5d. The Pegasus sold for £177.11s.11d.
1959 The Manx appeared, with a 249cc 2T twin engine.
1960 Saw the 148cc Dove II and the 174cc 2L engine Pegasus II.
1961 Most of the previous models were replaced by the new Capella range, which had new styling and new bodywork. Villiers engines were used - the 148cc 31C, 174cc 2L and the 197cc 9E - and there was also the option of standard and de luxe models. The Capella Standard sold for £152.13s.6d. For the De Luxe models, the 173cc version was priced at £166.10s.10d. and the 200cc version was priced at £173.13s.10d. These models continued for the next five years.
1966 Production ceased due to falling sales and increased foreign competition.
Sources: Graces Guide
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