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LOT 654

1964 Cotton 247cc Telstar Mk2 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 63 Engine no. not numbered

Sold for £4,370 inc. premium
Lot 654

1964 Cotton 247cc Telstar Mk2 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 63 Engine no. not numbered

1964 Cotton 247cc Telstar Mk2 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 63
Engine no. not numbered

The Gloucester firm of Cotton became famous in pre-war days for fine handling sports bikes powered by JAP and Blackburne engines. Post-war production used Villiers two-stroke engines, and the company built trials, scrambles and racing machines as well as road models. Cotton's Telstar road-racer made its debut in 1963 fitted with the then-new Villiers Starmaker engine. Designed by Bernard Hooper, the Starmaker was a purpose-built competition engine and quite unlike anything Villiers had been producing hitherto. The new engine was first seen in moto-cross form in 1962, the road-race version appearing the following year in 'clubman's racers' from Cotton and DMW. Short circuit ace Derek Minter road the factory development Telstar for four seasons, and the Cotton quickly became competitive at national level, 'The Mint' winning the 1964 British 250cc Championship on the works entry. Production ceased in 1968 when the supply of Villiers engines dried up, by which time around 60 examples are believed to have been made.

The scant factory records indicate that this four-speed Mk2 is one of the very last Telstars made. All that is known of the machine's history is that it was once owned by Jack Gow, a regular Isle of Man TT competitor, though he did not ride the Telstar in the Island. Beautifully restored a few years ago, '63' has not been used or raced since restoration.

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

This lot is offered with a history file.

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

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