LOT 674

1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Mark I Registration no. HVK 158C Frame no. 70770 Engine no. YB16738

Sold for £8,625 inc. premium

Lot 674

1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Mark I
Registration no. HVK 158C Frame no. 70770 Engine no. YB16738

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Mark I
Registration no. HVK 158C
Frame no. 70770
Engine no. YB16738

Launched in 1948, Royal Enfield's 500cc twin followed orthodox British lines, though the use of separate barrels and cylinder heads, and the incorporation of the oil tank within the crankcase, was unusual. A 693cc version along similar lines - the Meteor - arrived in 1952 and for many years was the UK's biggest twin. Both models were extensively revised in 1958, the new high-performance '700' adopting the name 'Constellation'. The latter was stretched a few years later to 736cc, becoming the 'Interceptor'. Built to satisfy the North American market's insatiable appetite for ever-larger engines, the Interceptor arrived in the UK in 1962 and was closely based on the twin-carburettor Constellation but with the added refinement of a dynamically balanced crankshaft.

This re-imported Interceptor was first registered in the UK on 1st December 2014 and has belonged to the current vendor since March 2018, since when the engine oil and filter have been changed and the rev counter refurbished. Described by the vendor as un-restored, the Enfield won the 'Best Bike' award at a local Steam & Vintage fair and is said to be in very good condition, starting and riding well and in good working order. Last run in October 2020 and only sold because the owner is downsizing his collection, the machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.

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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Additional information

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