LOT 479
C.1927 Zenith-JAP 678cc Model 6-80 Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 9960 Engine no. GT/I 81205
Sold for £13,225 inc. premium
Lot 479
C.1927 Zenith-JAP 678cc Model 6-80Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. 9960 Engine no. GT/I 81205
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
C.1927 Zenith-JAP 678cc Model 6-80
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 9960
Engine no. GT/I 81205
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. 9960
Engine no. GT/I 81205
Zenith motorcycles were manufactured from 1904 until 1950 in a variety of factories in and around London. From the early days proprietary engines were used, such as Fafnir, Precision, JAP, Bradshaw and Villiers. Zenith failed to weather the financial storms of the early 1930s, and after a succession of closures and changes of ownership re-emerged after WW2 with a solitary model: a 750cc JAP-powered sidevalve v-twin, which lasted only a few more years.
Dating from Zenith's Vintage-era heyday, this sidevalve-engined Zenith-JAP ('the six which pulls like an eighty') consists of a frame dating from the end of 1926 and an engine from late 1927. The Zenith was purchased by the vendor's father in 1937, at which time it was attached to a tradesman's sidecar. Many years later the vendor inherited the Zenith from his father. The tatty tradesman's sidecar was removed and restoration work commenced. The fuel tank was restored; the handlebars, control cables, and wheels sorted out; the mudguards repaired; and the frame repainted in black. The primary chain case was missing, so the vendor had a new one cast using an original as a pattern. Sadly, the vendor has not had time to complete the restoration and thus the Zenith is offered dismantled and sold strictly as viewed. An old tax disc shows that the machine was once registered as 'KH 4496'.
Dating from Zenith's Vintage-era heyday, this sidevalve-engined Zenith-JAP ('the six which pulls like an eighty') consists of a frame dating from the end of 1926 and an engine from late 1927. The Zenith was purchased by the vendor's father in 1937, at which time it was attached to a tradesman's sidecar. Many years later the vendor inherited the Zenith from his father. The tatty tradesman's sidecar was removed and restoration work commenced. The fuel tank was restored; the handlebars, control cables, and wheels sorted out; the mudguards repaired; and the frame repainted in black. The primary chain case was missing, so the vendor had a new one cast using an original as a pattern. Sadly, the vendor has not had time to complete the restoration and thus the Zenith is offered dismantled and sold strictly as viewed. An old tax disc shows that the machine was once registered as 'KH 4496'.
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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