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Alfred A. Scott gave his name to one of the most unconventional and long lasting motorcycles ever made.  The story dates back to 1902 when Alfred began to develop his first two stroke engine.  By 1908 he had completed his first design; a twin cylinder transfer port two stroke of 333cc that weighed just 37lbs.  The cylinder heads were water cooled to enable safe maximum revs of 3000.  The first engines were built by the Jowett Motor Co. of Bradford to the basic layout that was developed throughout a long production period until 1972!

As was the norm at the time Scotts went racing from the outset, entering the TT of 1909. A Scott was the first two stroke to ever finish a TT in 1910 and by 1912 they were winning!

Detail changes included full water cooling and rising capacity eventually to 600cc with the famous Squirrel.  Scotts were totally different in nature to the products of other British manufacturers and their remarkable performance led to a devoted following. They were famous for their deep low speed growl that rose to a ‘scalded cat’ yowl at full revs. ‘Yowl’ remains the name of a dedicated owner’s club magazine!  Enthusiasts directly led to the company surviving the 1930’s depression with Mr A E Reynolds ordering machines to be built to his own specification to keep order books healthy.

Again, in 1950, enthusiast, Max Holden, took the ailing company under the wing of his Aerco Jig and Tool Company in Birmingham producing improved spring frame Scotts from 1956.  They went racing in 1964 with a 350 in the Manx Grand Prix that held tenth place until its battery expired.  

As recently as 1971 a Spondon framed special ran in the Manx that was constructed by lifelong Scott enthusiast, George Silk of Derby.  George gave his name to the successor of the Scott, the Silk 700s, that allowed the old Scott a new lease of life until 1980.