Founded in 1913, the Cotton Motor Company was impressively able to last until 1980 – during which they had a very confident motto: “The Motorcycle Masterpiece“
I’ve featured a “Super” model from Cotton back in 1928 as well as a Cavalier from much later in 1972. Today’s bike is a lovely Trials model, which featured a 247cc Villiers 37A motor (iron barrel) that made 15 horsepower. The 37A was long-in-the-tooth at this time (most people were using the upgraded Starmaker engine, which was 10 pounds lighter) but it helped Cotton keep the price of the entire bike down to $480 (even after being shipped to the US). For more on the ’68 Cotton Trials (like how there was no dealer network in the US so you had to mail the factory a check directly), check out this period review from Cycle World.
This example unfortunately does not run, it’s been on display in a museum for an unknown amount of time with the fluids drained. I hope the next owner is able to bring it back to life!
Find this Cotton for sale in Dallas, Texas for $3,000 here on Facebook Marketplace.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Rod M!