First Century 100?

You can talk about almost anything here

Moderators: John@sos, charlesp, Charles uk, RickUK, Petergalileo

Post Reply
User avatar
StephenRT
Posts: 129
Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:38 am
Location: Cornwall UK

First Century 100?

Post by StephenRT »

I’ve just acquired a Century 100 with the engine number LLS 1200 R7.
According to the list of engine codes, the first engine number for the LLS during year 1956-7 was 1200.Could this mean it was the first of this type off the assembly line?
I believe the R means that it was factory reconditioned and the 7 signifies the year this was done,but in which decade?
I’ve also noticed that the carburretor is on the wrong side, (oppposite the tiller) and is an Amal,could these have been fitted as part of the reconditioning work?
User avatar
charlesp
Posts: 2568
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:37 pm
Location: Poole, Dorset, England

Post by charlesp »

Well it could just mean that. It's worth remembering that Seagull numbering was never an exact science! The seven is more likely to mean 77 than 67 as it would have been a bit too new in 67 for a refurbish, but the 7 applied to either - there was no fixed code for this.

The Amal carb has a larger diameter than the Villiers - if there is no spacer/collar around the inlet stub then it's a Silver Century block. It's unlikely, I reckon, that the factory would have supplied what is effectively an upgrade although anything is possible - around 1977 the company went through some strange times.

The Amal carb together with the Silver Century block - would give a fairly useful increase in power over the ordinary Century - British Seagull claimed an extra 25%, and charged £55.0.0 for a Silver Century instead of £42.10.0 for a Century in the late sixties.
User avatar
StephenRT
Posts: 129
Joined: Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:38 am
Location: Cornwall UK

Post by StephenRT »

Thanks for the information Charles.The cylinder is a Silver Century as there is no carb spacer fitted.
I may swop the cylinder for an earlier type with Villiers carb to achieve originality as I don’t need the extra power.
The oval brass fuel tank has plain ends,is that correct for the year?
Steve
User avatar
charlesp
Posts: 2568
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:37 pm
Location: Poole, Dorset, England

Post by charlesp »

That's an awkward one.

My LLS has a plain ended tank - but I have no idea if it's a replacement; it looks of an age with the rest of the motor.

But a flyer from the sixties shows the 'SEAGULL' embossed on the side...
Post Reply