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LOT 206

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection 1961 Royal Enfield 693cc Constellation Registration no. 830 AWK Frame no. 9745 Engine no. SB10437

Sold for £7,475 inc. premium
Lot 206

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, 1961 Royal Enfield 693cc Constellation
Registration no. 830 AWK Frame no. 9745 Engine no. SB10437

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
1961 Royal Enfield 693cc Constellation
Registration no. 830 AWK
Frame no. 9745
Engine no. SB10437

Like BSA and Triumph before it, Royal Enfield went on to enlarge its 500cc twin, eclipsing its rivals with the 693cc Meteor, Britain's largest vertical twin at the time of its introduction for 1953. The crankcase remained fundamentally unchanged but the bore/stroke dimensions and engine top-end were those of the 350 Bullet, doubled up and restyled. Extensive revisions to the engine and a new frame (shared by the Bullet singles) ushered in the Super Meteor in the autumn of 1955. Maximum power went up to 40bhp and top speed increased to just over the magic 'ton'. While the Super Meteor was a fine performer, Enfield's next development - the Constellation - was outstanding. Based on its immediate predecessor, the new sports roadster featured a 51bhp engine, revised frame, and a handsome 4.25-gallon fuel tank. On test with Motor Cycling magazine in Belgium, a Constellation recorded a top speed of 115mph while averaging 51mpg, impressive figures by any standard.

This example of one of Britain's rarer parallel twins was in its present condition when purchased by the Museum from Bill Little Motorcycles in May 2004. The sales invoice is on file and the Enfield also comes with SORN paperwork and a V5C Registration Certificate. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise 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

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