1923 Ner-a-Car 221cc Model A

Registration no. NN 4411 Frame no. 2269 Engine no. 909

Despite the demonstrable advantages of hub-centre steering, and the fact that the system has appeared at regular intervals since motorcycling's earliest days, there had only ever been one machine (before the advent of Yamaha's GTS) that made it into volume production: the Ner-a-Car. Invented by American Carl A Neracher in 1919, the machine was built under licence in the UK by Sheffield Simplex, using part of what had been the Sopwith Aviation works in Kingston-on-Thames. Believed to have been on the road for only six months in 1923 before being laid up, this Sheffield Simplex-built Ner-a-Car was restored from 'barn find' condition by its previous owner, Terry Smith, and is featured in Ken Philp's book, Ner-a-Car. A copy of Ken's book is on file together with an album of photographs documenting the rebuild and the machine's subsequent outings. The latter include its display at the 25th Stafford Show in 2005 when it gained a 3rd place award in the Vintage Class. The current vendor purchased the restored Ner-a-Car in 2009. Noteworthy features of this technologically fascinating machine include the original 4-volt bulb in the rear light, which is combined with an acetylene jet, and twin headlights: one electrical, the other acetylene. Last run in 2019, the machine is described by the private vendor as in excellent condition. It comes with a comprehensive history file containing lots of useful marque-related literature in addition to that mentioned above (inspection recommended).