LOT 381
c.1974 NVT 'Cosworth' Experimental Prototype Registration no. not registered Frame no. none Engine no. none
Sold for £6,900 inc. premium
Lot 381
c.1974 NVT 'Cosworth' Experimental PrototypeRegistration no. not registered Frame no. none Engine no. none
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
c.1974 NVT 'Cosworth' Experimental Prototype
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none
Engine no. none
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none
Engine no. none
The urgent need to replace its ageing Commando twin with something more modern for both road and track prompted NVT to commission a new engine design from Cosworth Engineering, applicable to both a production roadster and a race-bike. First shown in 1975, the Challenge water-cooled unitary construction twin borrowed heavily from Cosworth's 3.0-litre DFV V8 Formula 1 engine, yet despite a claimed maximum power output of 115-120bhp, the racer's handful of outings were disappointing, rider Dave Croxford being unable to match his old Commando-powered machine's lap times. With NVT on the point of collapse, the project was shelved in 1976.
The Commando-based machine offered here appears to be a test-bed for Cosworth's DOHC four-valves-per-cylinder technology applied to a water-cooled twin-cylinder engine with separate gearbox; as such, it might have been conceived as an update for the Commando engine that would have been cheaper than tooling up for the all-new Challenge. Interestingly, the machine is marked 'P89' to a plate between the instruments, the Challenge project being coded 'P86'. The right-side primary drive and final drive, using a reversed Norton gearbox, are particularly worthy of note.
Owned by the vendor for over 30 years, the machine was purchased from Stafford-based motorcycle dealer Cyril Chell, who had bought it at NVT's liquidation sale. The machine has not been used since purchase and its mechanical condition is not known.
The Commando-based machine offered here appears to be a test-bed for Cosworth's DOHC four-valves-per-cylinder technology applied to a water-cooled twin-cylinder engine with separate gearbox; as such, it might have been conceived as an update for the Commando engine that would have been cheaper than tooling up for the all-new Challenge. Interestingly, the machine is marked 'P89' to a plate between the instruments, the Challenge project being coded 'P86'. The right-side primary drive and final drive, using a reversed Norton gearbox, are particularly worthy of note.
Owned by the vendor for over 30 years, the machine was purchased from Stafford-based motorcycle dealer Cyril Chell, who had bought it at NVT's liquidation sale. The machine has not been used since purchase and its mechanical condition is not known.
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.
Additional information
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