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LOT 653

1963 Greeves 246cc RAS Silverstone Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 24RAS 192 Engine no. 085E CR1178

Sold for £3,680 inc. premium
Lot 653

1963 Greeves 246cc RAS Silverstone Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 24RAS 192 Engine no. 085E CR1178

1963 Greeves 246cc RAS Silverstone Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 24RAS 192
Engine no. 085E CR1178

Greeves' unorthodox trademarks of a cast beam 'downtube' and rubber-in-torsion leading-link fork proved adaptable to almost all forms of motorcycle from humble commuter, via a succession of highly successful off-roaders, to clubman's road-racer. Greeves' first road-racer, the Silverstone, was introduced for the 1963 season following the success of Reg Everett's converted scrambler. The production bike used a modified 24MDS frame, narrowed at the rear, and was powered by a Villiers 36A engine fitted with Greeves' own cylinder barrel and head. An Amal GP carburettor and expansion chamber exhaust were standard equipment and the motor produced 31bhp at 7,400rpm. Built through versions RAS to RES until 1967, the Silverstone provided many an aspiring star with their first taste of road racing and today remains a popular mount in historic racing's 250 class.

Factory records held by the Greeves Riders Association show that frame number '192' (the last made was '194') was despatched to the Guildford dealership Minear & Bruce in December 1963 for the renowned tuner/entrant, Francis Beart. Beart bought '192' as a backup machine for the one he was running for Joe Dunphy, though there is no evidence Dunphy actually raced it. '192' was restored to its present outstanding condition by Andy Blackman around eight years ago and has belonged to the current vendor for some five years.

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

New information has come to light regarding lot 653 the 1963 Greeves, frame no. 24RAS192: It was supplied with about 10 others to the newly set up Beart-Mortimer Racing School. The instructors were Joe Dunphy & Griff Jenkins. It was Chas Mortimer's first race bike when he competed in the Stars of Tomorrow meeting on 25.7.65 at Brands Hatch. He came 4th in the heats, and was also 4th in the final. In 1966 Chas Mortimer and Paul Smart both competed in the MCN Clubman Championship using the new Greeves RCS model. 192 was their shared spare bike. Paul Smart went on to win the championship, and Chas was second. By 1968 Chas owned the race school, but he made the decision to go off and compete in the GP series. The school was wound up, and the school's various bikes, including 192, were sold to Geoff Monty. We are grateful to Chas Mortimer for providing this information. This lot is offered with a history file.

Additional information

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

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