
LOT 573
Ex-T G Meeten, Scottish Six Days Trial 1932 Francis-Barnett 150cc Lapwing Registration no. PJ 4550 Frame no. B24758 Engine no. GY695
Sold for £4,830 inc. premium
Lot 573
Ex-T G Meeten, Scottish Six Days Trial, 1932 Francis-Barnett 150cc Lapwing Registration no. PJ 4550 Frame no. B24758 Engine no. GY695
Ex-T G Meeten, Scottish Six Days Trial
1932 Francis-Barnett 150cc Lapwing
Registration no. PJ 4550
Frame no. B24758
Engine no. GY695
1932 Francis-Barnett 150cc Lapwing
Registration no. PJ 4550
Frame no. B24758
Engine no. GY695
Beginning in the mid-1920s Tommy Meeten gained many successes riding Francis-Barnett lightweights at Brooklands, the IoM TT, the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT), and many other prestigious events. These results were mainly achieved on 150/175cc Villiers-engined machines – occasionally fitted with a sidecar – and undoubtedly helped promote the Coventry firm at a time when the motorcycle market was extremely sluggish. Equally commendable was Mrs Meeten's completion of a 1,000-mile run on a Francis-Barnett, whose fuel consumption averaged a remarkable 196mpg. The 148cc Lapwing was introduced as a 'high quality utility model', priced at £24 15s, in late 1931. It was not unusual at that time for production models to be used in competition events; Tommy Meeten is thus pictured beside 'PJ 4550' (while mending a puncture) in Motor Cycling's May 24th report of the 1933 SSDT (copy available). The history trail then goes cold until the machine was purchased, in restored condition, some 30 years ago by the immediately preceding owner, who reportedly rode it just once (the last tax disc expired in 2008). Its late owner purchased 'PJ 4550' at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2015 (Lot 268), since when the machine has been kept in dry storage. In need of careful re-commissioning and the customary safety checks, 'PJ 4550' comes with a Francis-Barnett 'Hints & Spares' book; a V5C Registration Certificate, and its original logbook recording Tommy Meeten as owner from February 1933.
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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