About 12months ago I acquired a howard gem 800. These were produced in 1962 as an experimental prototype to replace the howard gem. The records are a little unclear but it is believed that maybe as few as 20 were produced. Over the next 2 years the machines were frequently modified so it is said that no two examples are the same. 3engine options were offered, a Sachs 600 diesel(as far as I can ascertain like the standard gem these were the only ones that came with a bonnet), a twin cylinder howard engine and a kohler k301t.
After two years Howard’s came to the conclusion that it was too expensive to produce so therefore sold off the machines cheaply.
The one which i purchased has some parts missing, including the engine, and the rear end is very rotten. But on the whole it is mostly there so will be undergoing an extensive rebuild. It was supplied to A.Turner from Haywood Heath on 21/8/1964.
Photos will follow as soon as I’m back at my main PC.