1936 New Imperial 500
1936 New Imperial 500cc Type 76 Deluxe
Imperial in name and nature
Always at the forefront of progress, New Imperial improved its models from year to year. In 1936, its Type 76 combined the two main selling points of the marque: the unit construction power unit (that would be standardized across the range the following year) and the totally-enclosed valve gear, which was still a rarity.
Record Average
It was not easy to show the advantages of unit-construction to riders. In Britain, separate gearboxes were the rule. Even so, New Imperial was still able to introduce the concept on its 500cc models in 1935. It then won the 1936 Lightweight TT at a record 76 mph average with the legendary 250 “Flying Pig Trough,” ridden by Bob Foster.
Above Average Performance
A forward extension of the crankcase served as an oil tank and, while the primary transmission casing looked like a conventional chain case, it actually concealed a helical gear drive. For 1937, the entire range from 150 to 500cc had unit-construction engines and every one – apart from the 150cc Model 25 followed current fashion by adopting twin downpipes. Even the optional rear suspension enjoyed increasing success. The 500 type 76 was offered in Standard (with tank-mounted shift lever) and Deluxe versions, though the latter was eclipsed by the 110 Clubman Unit. All the models benefited from a new single cradle frame with bolted-up bottom-end. Without pretending to rival the competition machines, the New Imps were above average in performance and technical refinement and reasonably priced, too.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 496cc (82×94mm) air-cooled single cylinder four-stroke
Valves: fully-enclosed overhead
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, selector pedal on right (deluxe) or hand-shift (standard): chain final drive
Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: 7 inch drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 3.25×19 inch (front & rear)
Maximum: Speed: 81 mph
The unusual thing about this 500 Type 76 Deluxe is the vertical finning of the cylinder head, which is fed by a carburetor with a horizontal body.
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