The 1955 Hercules Grey Wolf
…Subsequently renamed ‘Her-cu-motor’
The Grey Wolf was launched with some fanfare at the Earl’s Court Show in November, 1955. It appeared on Stand 100 and was described in the motorcycling press as a ‘pleasing and practical design.’
It was a totally British machine when every other model (except the disappointing 32cc Norman Cyclemate) was either imported or used foreign components. Its JAP engine was a unique design. The Hercules name was an established marque famous for well-built bicycles. It was priced very competitively.
I am unashamedly biased because I own one. But don’t you think that the Her-cu-Motor was by far the best of the new ‘mo-peds’ that appeared at the show? (See the Show review below)
The engine was British-made too, a JAP 49cc 2-stroke. The engine is interesting, with the crankshaft running fore and aft; a pair of bevel gears turn the drive through 90° and then via a chain to the rear wheel.
‘Power and Pedal’ magazine published a short road test of the Her-cu-Motor in their August, 1956 edition.
Miller supplied the flywheel magneto, lights and horn, and the front suspension was a bottom leading link type.
The toolbox of the first Grey Wolf was as you see here, but was very soon replaced with a triangular style toolbox.
As you can see below, the Her-cu-Motor sports an unusual front suspension set-up, with a bottom leading link.
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Although initially announced as the Hercules Grey Wolf, the marque and model was promptly renamed ‘Her-cu-Motor.’
I assume this was because a key part of its advertising strategy was that it was an all-British machine – which would fall rather flat if confused with the well-established German Hercules. (See the separate page of this Hercules Museum Website Museum for a history of the German Hercules company).
It has been mentioned elsewhere that the name change was because after the initial launch, a wider colour choice was offered for the Grey Wolf than the original grey. However, though German Hercules mopeds and scooters were officially re-badged in Great Britain to avoid confusion over the identical name, it would be likely that in due course some German Hercules models would arrive in Great Britain with their German Hercules name intact.
The review below, in ‘Power & Pedal’ of December 1956, shows the autocycle-style version of the Her-cu-Motor that was also offered
In 1958 Villiers pulled the plug on the supply of JAP engines. No other engine could be fitted to replace the shaft-drive and in-line arrangement, so the Her-cu-Motor ceased.
For a brief history of J.A. Prestwich, original manufacturer of the JAP engine,
please visit the www.BuyVintage website.co.uk and see Page 10. PLEASE CLICK HERE
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FOR THE HISTORY OF HERCULES CYCLE CO
PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE HERCULES MUSEUM
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
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DELIVERY is not included in this auction.
This means that it is not my responsibility,
BUT I can put you in touch with a delivery chap and organize collection;
you liaise with them direct re delivery and pay them separately.
Great Britain – delivery is ONLY £60 for this motorcycle to main parts of England;
extra to extremities such as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, etc (and may take longer to arrive)
(Please email your postcode if you want to confirm price).
THIS BARGAIN PRICE DELIVERY IS ON A PART-LOAD BASIS.
(Collection when they’re in my area; delivery when in yours).
LOCAL DELIVERY FREE
If you want it fast, please organize your own collection.
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Ireland & N. Ireland – I’ll recommend some companies, but you’ll have to organize it yourself.
Europe – delivery is probably around €400 to Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, etc. I can recommend two companies.
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc – I’ll organize all the crating and shipping for you.
PAYMENT: Paypal is okay for cheap items; otherwise deposit only on paypal please.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS:
You must communicate with me before the end of the auction to discuss payment and shipping options.
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AFTER PURCHASE: Please email me your phone numbers; I prefer to speak to all purchasers personally.
I do everything I can to make your purchase a pleasurable experience.
I’ve been selling obscure vintage vehicles on ebay since 2002.
Sharing similar interests, I’ve become good friends with many of my customers.
Please feel free to email or phone with any comments or questions…
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VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts
– but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
Two-strokes invariably need basic servicing before starting them, if they’ve been left to stand for more than 3 weeks or so.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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you can contact Colin in our Customer Service Department between 9am and 7pm daily:
By Phone – (UK 0044) 07866-126469
By email – Buyvintage@mac.com
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