Formerly part of the Ward Brothers Collection, 1909 Minerva 3½hp with Wicker Sidecar

Registration no. AM 2210 Frame no. 21692 Engine no. 12061

• Wonderful motorcycle combination from a premier European make
• Present ownership since 2009
• Offered from an important private collection
• Pioneer Certificate

This fine Minerva motorcycle combination with wicker sidecar was acquired for the Ward Brothers Collection 31 years ago from VMCC stalwart Joseph Arthur Whitmarsh of Avon Garage, Netheravon, Wiltshire, who had owned this machine since 1953. He in turn had acquired the Minerva from George Sheppard, cycle maker of Netheravon who is recorded as being the owner when the machine was reregistered under new legislation in 1922. Sheppard may well have been the very first owner of this Wiltshire-registered outfit. During Arthur Whitmarsh's ownership the outfit was extensively rallied both at home and overseas as evidenced by the numerous rally plaques displayed on the wicker sidecar. The machine also carries RAC and AA badges and a Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Badge, having taken part in the prestigious Pioneer Run regularly during Whitmarsh's ownership. The bike is equipped with an acetylene headlamp and Binks carburettor, and enjoys the benefit of a Sturmey-Archer three-speed gearbox. Invoices on file record some restoration work carried out by J W Tennant-Eyles in 1984 and during the Wards' ownership new head-stock bearings were fitted together with new valves.

In July 2009 the Minerva was purchased at Bonhams' sale of the Ward Brothers Reserve Collection (Lot 130) by the current enthusiast vendor (owner of an important private collection) and ridden by him on the 2010 Pioneer Run. There is a detailed list of work on file carried out in October 2010 by Nigel Parrott Veteran Engineering in East Sussex (one of the very best Veteran car and motorcycle engineers). The total cost was £7,924. The sidecar wickerwork also has had some remedial repairs made; otherwise the combination is as purchased in the 2009.

This exceptionally high quality outfit has that wonderful patina that comes from long and enthusiastic ownership. Accompanying documentation includes an old-style buff logbook recording ownership from 1922; a Pioneer Certificate; an old-style V5 registration document; various photographs; correspondence from Mrs Whitmarsh; a copy of a 1909 Minerva sales brochure; and an original Minerva Spare Parts Price List for 1908/1909.