Summary

Auto cycle made by A.G. Healing Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1948.
Alfred George Healing established a business in Bridge Road, Richmond, in 1896 initially as an agency for the London-based Haddon Cycle Company. By 1902, the A.G. Healing Ltd name appeared with an address in Niagara Lane, Melbourne. The company began importing FN motorcycles in 1903 and also marketed its own motorcycle under the 'Petrel' brand. In 1910, John 'Bert' Rhodes was appointed as Manager, and the firm expanded its range of local and imported motorcycle components and engines, including Peerless and Precision brand motorcycles as well as imported Fafnir, American De Luxe, and (after 1918) JAP engines. By the end of the First World War, Healings had become the largest motorcycle business in Australia. Their Healing Bicycle brand was also well-known.

By the 1930s, the company had diversified into domestic goods, especially household radios, and motorcycle manufacturing ceased. Just after World War II, the company produced a powered version of its bicycle using a 30 c.c. Wayco two-stroke engine mounted over the rear wheel. This small engine had an oil-filled clutch and a Wayco motor hub.
This 'auto cycle' concept was popular in the UK and Europe at the time, as cars and motorcycles were expensive and hard to obtain. Petrol rationing also stayed in force until 1949 in Australia. The arrival of cheaper mopeds, scooters, and cars in the 1950s soon made the auto cycle hard to sell, and it largely disappeared. Healings became a major local manufacturer of television sets and white goods.

This A.G. Healing Auto Cycle was purchased by the Museum in 1986. Its last owner was John Nestor of Balaclava in Melbourne.

More Information