1916 Rover 499cc 3½hp
Registration no. BF 8164 Frame no. 42741 Engine no. 6704

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|28 April 2019, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1916 Rover 499cc 3½hp
Registration no. BF 8164
Frame no. 42741
Engine no. 6704

Having abandoned motorcycle production after a tentative foray in 1903/1904, the Rover Cycle Company re-entered the market in 1910. By this time the motorcycle's future seemed more assured, and Rover designer John Greenwood (later of Sunbeam fame) was commissioned to draw up a new engine. A 499cc sidevalve, the new motor incorporated spring-loaded tappets and positioned its Bosch magneto, driven by a 'silent' inverted-tooth chain, high and dry behind the cylinder. The carburettor was by Brown & Barlow and the forks by Druid. At the end of 1914 a three-speed countershaft gearbox was added, and from then onwards few changes were made to the sidevalve single until its production ceased in 1924.

A previous concours winner at the Bristol Classic Motor Cycle Show, the 1916 Rover offered here was restored in 1992 by the late Brian Barber of Wiltshire, who was well known for his numerous concours rebuilds completed over a period of some 50 years. The machine was purchased as a 'barn find' in the late 1970s and painstakingly restored by Brian to its present concours standard using original and replacement parts, many of the latter made by him using his extensive workshop facilities. Ridden regularly over the last few years during summer months, this beautifully restored Rover is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate and an extensive history file.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

Please contact the motorcycle department ([email protected]) to view a video of this machine running.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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Storage Notices
Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia Clearance
All purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 7pm Sunday 28 April 2019. All un-collected purchased lots shall then be removed to Bonhams storage facility at: Bonhams Oxford Banbury Road Shipton on Cherwell Kidlington Oxford OX5 1JH Lots will be available for collection from 10am Thursday 2 May by appointment only.
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All lots marked with a ◊◊◊ will require specific shipping and storage arrangements, as they are either extremely large or heavy objects.
Please contact the Motorcycle Department for detailed information in advance of bidding. Failure to contact the department may result in your purchased lot(s) being uplifted to an offsite store at your expense. Shipping Enquiries: For all motorcycle spares & memorabilia shipping enquiries please contact Alban Shipping quoting your client, sale & lot number to discuss your shipping requirements Tel: +44 (0) 1582 493099 email:
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- Motorcycles