1924 Royal Enfield 8hp Motorcycle Combination

Registration no. AF 8085 Frame no. 21522 Engine no. 2406 2749W

• Purchased as a restoration project in 2004
• Correct sidecar chassis, replica body
• Not used for some time
• Requires re-commissioning

The origins of the Royal Enfield marque can be traced back to a small light engineering firm - George Townsend & Company - founded in Redditch, Worcestershire in mid-Victorian times. The firm moved into bicycle manufacture and by the turn of the century had been reorganised as the Enfield Cycle Company, makers of the 'Royal Enfield'. The Redditch company built its first powered vehicles - De Dion-engined tricycles and quadri-cycles - in the closing years of the 19th Century, and its first motorcycle around 1900. By 1904 the firm was concentrating on car production, resuming motorcycle manufacture in 1910 with a Motosacoche-powered lightweight. Two years later came the successful 6hp motorcycle combination complete with JAP v-twin sidevalve engine, two-speed gear, and all chain drive. Enfield's characteristic cush-drive rear hub appeared for the first time on this model. When motorcycle production resumed after WWI, the Enfield combination reappeared with an 8hp JAP engine, though this was soon superseded by one of Enfield's own design, manufactured for them by Vickers. Displacing 976cc, the 8hp engine had been redesigned and was being built at Enfield's Redditch works by 1925, at which time the three-speed Sturmey Archer gearbox and hand clutch were adopted for all models except the two-stroke lightweight. Enfield's 8hp twin continued in production as the Model K until 1936, latterly alongside a 1,140cc export version.

The machine offered here was purchased as a restoration project by the vendor's late father in 2004. Prior to acquisition, the Enfield had been laid up for many years and consequently required full restoration. Some years after the restoration, a correct sidecar chassis was sourced, and a new body built. Presented in generally good condition, with a charming patina, 'AF 8085' has not been used for some time and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and a comprehensive photographic record of the combination's restoration. An original instruction book, parts catalogue, and 'Hints and Tips' booklet are included in the sale.