F. and H. Melen
Melen were motorcycles produced by F. and H. Melen of Cheapside, Birmingham, from 1912 to 1913 and from 1922 to 1926.
1912 The first machine, a combination, was exhibited at the late Olympia Show. It had a 6hp JAP V-twin engine, Roc two-speed gear and belt drive. The wicker sidecar had a four-point attachment.
1913 The enterprise was short-lived and did not last beyond that year.
1913-14 Produced a light car with 1103cc 2-cylinder Alpha engine
1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices see the 1917 Red Book
1922 The Melen resurfaced on a tradesman's motor carrier tricycle, in the form of a conventional motorcycle with the exception of the front. This had two wheels and a closed-top delivery box positioned between them. It therefore resembled the rather out-dated forecar of yesteryear, and was powered by a 292cc two-stroke Union engine.
1924 By now, the Union engine had been replaced by a 343cc Villiers, but otherwise the design was virtually unchanged.
1926 Production continued until this year and then stopped.
1927 F and H Melen Ltd. Express Works, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.
London Showrooms: 314 Grays Inn Road, WC1
See Also
Sources of Information
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press 2004 ISBN 1 86126 674 X