LOT 318
1902 Minerva 211cc Ladies' Model Registration no. 975 AMU Frame no. 6231 Engine no. 16 6454
Sold for £14,950 inc. premium
Lot 318
1902 Minerva 211cc Ladies' ModelRegistration no. 975 AMU Frame no. 6231 Engine no. 16 6454
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1902 Minerva 211cc Ladies' Model
Registration no. 975 AMU
Frame no. 6231
Engine no. 16 6454
Registration no. 975 AMU
Frame no. 6231
Engine no. 16 6454
Although a latecomer to bicycle manufacturer, the Belgian Minerva concern was among the first to offer a viable proprietary engine for motorcycles. Nominally of one horsepower, the 211cc unit was designed for attachment ahead of the cycle's front down-tube - a location which became known as the 'Minerva position' - and was of advanced configuration, employing a mechanically operated inlet valve instead of the automatic type favoured by rival manufacturers. As well as building complete powered machines of its own, the company served the much larger proprietary engine market, supplying many Continental manufacturers as well as those in Britain, notably: Ariel, Matchless, Phoenix, Quadrant, Royal Enfield, and Triumph.
Larger-capacity engines, including v-twins, were developed, though the inevitable increase in bulk meant that these were mounted conventionally within the frame. Minerva achieved numerous victories in motorcycle racing, yet despite its commercial and competition successes on two wheels, the company's plans for the future lay elsewhere and they abandoned motorcycle manufacture after 1909 to concentrate on cars.
An older restoration, this very early Minerva-engined ladies' motorcycle was a regular entrant on the Pioneer Run throughout the 1960's through 1980's and is believed to have been purchased from well-known collector, Bill Fruin. Last taxed in 1998, '975 AMU' is offered in need extensive restoration. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with an old-style RF.60 logbook, expired Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate (1961), and a V5C document. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the date of the machine's components and Pioneer dating eligibility prior to bidding.
Larger-capacity engines, including v-twins, were developed, though the inevitable increase in bulk meant that these were mounted conventionally within the frame. Minerva achieved numerous victories in motorcycle racing, yet despite its commercial and competition successes on two wheels, the company's plans for the future lay elsewhere and they abandoned motorcycle manufacture after 1909 to concentrate on cars.
An older restoration, this very early Minerva-engined ladies' motorcycle was a regular entrant on the Pioneer Run throughout the 1960's through 1980's and is believed to have been purchased from well-known collector, Bill Fruin. Last taxed in 1998, '975 AMU' is offered in need extensive restoration. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with an old-style RF.60 logbook, expired Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate (1961), and a V5C document. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the date of the machine's components and Pioneer dating eligibility prior to bidding.
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
The Sunbeam Pioneer Motorcycle Club have kindly confirmed the original 1953 Pioneer Register Application indicates the late owner Stan Gilks bought the machine from a Mr Marshal, care of Rex Judd of Edgeware, Middlesex, around 1938. Period Minerva catalogues suggest the engine, with both valves mechanically operated, was introduced for the 1903 season, with finning around the top of the cylinder only. The 1904 engine featured finning down the length of the cylinder. Therefore, it is thought the machine is of 1903 Vintage. We are unable to locate the frame number.
Additional information
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Auction Viewings
- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
