Puchase of 1952 Douglas Bluebird

[John Kennedy]

If any one has a 1952 Douglas bluebird for sale could they please contact me.
Thanks

[Reg]

If any one has a 1952 Douglas bluebird for sale could they please contact me.
Thanks

Dear John and indeed others that may be wondering what a Bluebird model is.
Bluebird in this instance refers to the colour scheme. To the best of my knowledge this was introduced with the Mark 4 models and continued with some early Mark 5 models. This colour blue was a paler shade than that used for the later Mk 5 models to become recognised as polychromatic blue. I believe it originated with an Australian publication road test where the colour was descibed as 'Bluebird finish'  So John, if your'e looking for a Douglas with this colour ask around for a blue Mark 4 or and early Mark 5. Not sure when polychromatic blue became established but would guess around 1951 sometime.

Reg

[Reg]

A further note on the above subject. A photo (although it is reversed)  can be found in Members Gallery from 25 June and sent in by Brian Outlaw, of a Mark 4 Sports model. This would appear to have been finished in the 'bluebird 'finish. The photo is interesting as it shows what Douglas were up to with the new Mark 4 and the introduction of the new front mudguard linkages. A closer look will reveal the mudguard stays are in fact welded to the spindle linkage and this caused many breakages. The exhaust system was also experimented with after the introduction of the two cast alloy toolboxes,  having up swept and downswept Burgess silencers fitted. This was for the Sports model with the standard model retaing the aluminium 'woffle'box. The front linkage was redesigned after these breakages and held by the two 2BA nuts and bolts each side with the silencers being the low slung ones normally associated with Mark 5 models.

Reg




Quote tags fixed and photo added - Dave, 4th July 2009

[trevorp]

One on ebay now