Henry Herbert Collier

Using De Dion and Puteaux engines, the Colliers added one of the first pillion seats in 1903 and chain drive in 1905.

[1] The Colliers also decided to enter their machines in the new Isle of Man TT and the first TT race in 1907 was won by Collier's son Charles on a 432cc Matchless Charlie with an average speed of 38.21 mph and a time of 4 hours 8 minutes 8 seconds.

[2] They produced a JAP V-twin powered bike in 1905 which boasted one of the earliest swing-arm rear suspensions, coupled with leading-link front forks.

Peacetime production resumed in 1919, concentrating at first on V-twins for sidecar use, leaving singles until 1923.

When Henry Collier died in 1926 the company he started went on to become one of the most successful British motorcycle marques.