LOT 482
Property of a deceased's estate 1907 Minerva 412cc Registration no. AC 3738 Frame no. 22052 Engine no. 13135
Sold for £13,225 inc. premium
Lot 482
Property of a deceased's estate, 1907 Minerva 412ccRegistration no. AC 3738 Frame no. 22052 Engine no. 13135
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
Property of a deceased's estate
1907 Minerva 412cc
Registration no. AC 3738
Frame no. 22052
Engine no. 13135
1907 Minerva 412cc
Registration no. AC 3738
Frame no. 22052
Engine no. 13135
Although a latecomer to bicycle manufacture, the Belgian Minerva concern was among the first to offer a viable proprietary engine for motorcycles. Nominally of one horsepower, the 211cc unit was designed for attachment ahead of the cycle's front down-tube - a location which became known as the 'Minerva position' - and was of advanced configuration, employing a mechanically operated inlet valve instead of the automatic type favoured by rival manufacturers. As well as building complete powered machines of its own, the company served the much larger proprietary engine market, supplying many Continental manufacturers as well as those in Britain, notably: Ariel, Matchless, Phoenix, Quadrant, Royal Enfield, and Triumph.
Larger-capacity engines, including v-twins, were developed, though the inevitable increase in bulk meant that these were mounted conventionally within the frame. Minerva achieved numerous victories in motorcycle racing, yet despite its commercial and competition successes on two wheels, the company's plans for the future lay elsewhere and they abandoned motorcycle manufacture after 1909 to concentrate on cars. Little is known of the history of this Minerva, which is believed to be an older restoration. The engine turns over, but the machine's mechanical condition is not known; re-commissioning will be required before returning it to the road. Accompanying documentation includes a VMCC dating document signed by marque specialist Derek Foxton; a V5C Registration Certificate; and an old-style logbook issued in 1947.
Larger-capacity engines, including v-twins, were developed, though the inevitable increase in bulk meant that these were mounted conventionally within the frame. Minerva achieved numerous victories in motorcycle racing, yet despite its commercial and competition successes on two wheels, the company's plans for the future lay elsewhere and they abandoned motorcycle manufacture after 1909 to concentrate on cars. Little is known of the history of this Minerva, which is believed to be an older restoration. The engine turns over, but the machine's mechanical condition is not known; re-commissioning will be required before returning it to the road. Accompanying documentation includes a VMCC dating document signed by marque specialist Derek Foxton; a V5C Registration Certificate; and an old-style logbook issued in 1947.
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
Please note, although there is no Pioneer certificate offered with the Lot, The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club have confirmed that it is on the Pioneer registry (Certificate no. 437) and the successful purchaser should apply for a new certificate.
Additional information
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- 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
