1939 Royal Enfield Model DC seen at Dania Beach show

Big headlight, but 1939 Royal Enfield Model DC is almost child-size.

With all the wonderful vintage motorcycles on display every year at the Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show, it's still rare to spot a Royal Enfield.

Herb Doan's magnificent 1955 Indian Westerner dirt racer has been the only Royal Enfield product on show in recent years and I was delighted to see it there again this year.

But there was something else really special this year: the 1939 Model DC shown by Robert Losik of Boynton Beach, Fla.

Attractive little Royal Enfield drew a crowd.

Its girder forks, solo seat, massive headlight and maroon paint job instantly identified this Royal Enfield as a visitor from the past.

I was startled to see how small it is! My 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet would dwarf it. That's in part because this little motorcycle has no rear suspension. The result is a low, sleek look.

Tidy overhead-valve single "powers" this Royal Enfield.

The motorcycle is handsomely equipped with electric horn, toolbox and four-speed gearbox (no neutral finder, though!).

I was surprised to see that the rear brake is cable operated. I commented about it to another show visitor, who pointed out that cable works for the front; why insist on a piece of metal for the rear brake?

Cable operated rear brake, sweet little horn and chain case.

Toolbox, air filter, oil tank but no neutral finder.

Jewel like little tail light was good enough in 1939.

Petite center stand benefits from beer-can landing pads.

Indian Westerner, the only other Royal Enfield at the show.

...well, there was this Royal Enfield on display.