LOT 724

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection c.1904/1905 National 4hp Tricar Registration no. not registered Frame no. 7441 Engine no. 723

Sold for £21,850 inc. premium

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Lot 724

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, c.1904/1905 National 4hp Tricar
Registration no. not registered Frame no. 7441 Engine no. 723

The Summer Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show (Three-Day Auction)|4 July 2021, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
c.1904/1905 National 4hp Tricar
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 7441
Engine no. 723

• Built by one of Britain's most obscure motor manufacturers
• MMC engine; two-speed transmission
• An older restoration
• Ultra-rare survivor

In existence for barely two years - 1904 to circa 1905 – the National Motor Company of Manchester has to be one of Britain's most obscure motor manufacturers; indeed, its entry in The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile runs to only 70 words! According to the Encyclopedia, National's sole product, a wheel-steered tricar, was designed by two members of the Manchester Motor Club. It was powered by a 4hp single-cylinder water-cooled engine supplied by MMC, which drove via a two-speed transmission with direct-drive top gear. Seating was tandem in arrangement, with the driver at the rear and positioned higher than his passenger. The front seat could be removed, and a tradesman's van body fitted in its place, and the machine could also be used as a solo. How many of these National tricars were built and how many survive is not known, though it must be very few in either case.

A truly wonderful example of Edwardian-era automotive engineering, this magnificent machine is a nicely patinated older restoration, boasting beautiful brass and copper details wherever one looks. Noteworthy features include a 'serpent' bulb horn; Zenith carburettor; 'Rotherham Coventry' fuel tank cap; and Imperial Carriage lighting. There are no documents with this Lot. We would advise the new owner to submit a full dating application to the SMCC and VCC Dating Committees so that the vehicle can be fully researched.

Saleroom notices

We are unable to located the frame number. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 724: click here

Additional information

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Cycling, Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 to 551)
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