LOT 499

c.1920 Rex 550cc Model 77 4Hp Registration no. BE 5312 Frame no. not visible Engine no. F1924

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

Lot 499

c.1920 Rex 550cc Model 77 4Hp
Registration no. BE 5312 Frame no. not visible Engine no. F1924

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

c.1920 Rex 550cc Model 77 4Hp
Registration no. BE 5312
Frame no. not visible
Engine no. F1924

Rex were early entrants to the field of motorcycle manufacture in 1900. Already making cars and tricars, the move into motorcycles was facilitated by their move into new premises in Coventry. They were active in various forms of competition, achieving good results which fed through into sales of machines. Their range of machines featured everything from 2 ¾ Hp singles to big 8 Hp V-twins. In 1919 they began to make this Model 77, intended as a sidecar machine, it features the Brampton-Biflex dual-sprung front forks, and the intriguing 'Turner Patent' sprung saddle to cushion the rider from the bumpy roads of the day. A complex sump casting contained oil to splash-feed the crankshaft and other internals. Transmission is via a Sturmey Archer three-speed gearbox. This rare machine was purchased in running order in approximately 1974/75 from well-known vintage enthusiast David Earnshaw by Oliver Langton. Langton was a renowned motorcycle competitor in the 1920s and 30s, representing England in Speedway, and competing in various other types of motorcycle sport. He was also a collector of Rex machines, along with others, in addition to motor cars. When Oliver passed away, he left a Rex motorcycle to each of his grandchildren, and this is one of those, which has remained with the family since his death in the 1980s. Documentation comprises an old-type V5 and a VE60 duplicate log book dating from 1974. Kept in dry storage since the 1980s, this machine will need re-commissioning or restoration before returning to the road with a new owner.

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.

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.
Buyers Premium and Charges
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-662) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyer's Premium for Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-198) will adhere to Bonhams group policy, the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000 and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT. Some lots may be subject to VAT on the hammer price. These lots will be clearly marked with a dagger (†) printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
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.
To arrange collection please contact the Motorcycle Department +44 (0) 20 8963 2817 or [email protected] to make an appointment.
All lots will be charged a minimum of £12+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊ will be charged £30+VAT uplift and storage at £6+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊◊ will be charged £60+VAT uplift and storage at £12+VAT per day per lot.
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:
[email protected]
Please note Bonhams do not provide shipping neither do Bonhams pack lots. Should you wish to organise collection of your lots via a third party carrier, they must check and pack lots on your behalf upon collection. Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at the buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
- Motorcycles