Skip to main content

LOT 323

1929 New Imperial 350cc Registration no. BF 4581 Frame no. 48/3142/2 Engine no. 48/10933

Sold for £7,130 inc. premium
Lot 323

1929 New Imperial 350cc
Registration no. BF 4581 Frame no. 48/3142/2 Engine no. 48/10933

1929 New Imperial 350cc
Registration no. BF 4581
Frame no. 48/3142/2
Engine no. 48/10933

Builder of the last British-made machine to win the Lightweight 250 TT (in 1936) New Imperial was unsurpassed for innovation during the 1930s, with models featuring pivoted fork rear suspension and unitary construction of engine and gearbox. The marque was established in 1900 when Norman Downs acquired a cycle company in Birmingham, which he reorganised as New Imperial Cycles. The firm's first motorcycles, designed along Werner lines, were shown at the 1901 Stanley Show in London but were not well received. Not until 1910 did Downs try again, launching a conventional JAP-powered model - the Light Tourist - that would prove an outstanding success. In racing, New Imperial concentrated on the 250 class, winning the Isle of Man TT trophy for 250cc machines in 1921 and their first Lightweight TT in 1924, a feat repeated the following year. On the commercial front, the late 1920s saw production facilities expand and proprietary engines abandoned in favour of New Imperial's own power units.

Restored in May 2012, this New Imperial-engined 350 previously belonged to Mr Russell Montgomery, a prominent Birmingham collector, was purchased from Spurrier-Smith Antiques of Worksworth, Derbyshire, its owners since April 2016. The machine was last run earlier this year and is described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout. Accompanying documentation consists of a quantity of old MoTs (most recent expired 2013), a V5C registration Certificate, and a selection of pre-restoration photographs. An original New Imperial Handbook is included in the sale.

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 frame number is 48/3141/2.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
1980 Ducati 900 MHR
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Ducati 900 MHR

£7,000 - £9,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1914 Sunbeam 3½hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1914 Sunbeam 3½hp

£8,000 - £12,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1975 Ducati 750 GT
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1975 Ducati 750 GT

£8,000 - £10,000
The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)
United Kingdom

The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)

£7,000 - £8,000
A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,
United Kingdom

A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,

£8,000 - £12,000