1935 Calthorpe Ivory

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1935 Calthorpe Ivory
Engine no. M5/2155

Manufactured by the Minstrel & Rea Cycle Company, of Birmingham, the first Calthorpe motorcycle appeared in 1909 powered by a 3.5hp White & Poppe engine. The following year there were no fewer than six Calthorpe models displayed at the Motor Cycle Show at Olympia, some of which featured an 'free' engine clutch and two-speed gear. In 1928 the first of the famous 'Ivory' Calthorpes appeared, so called because of its distinctive finish to fuel tank and mudguards. By 1930 the Ivory had gained a new 350cc overhead-valve inclined engine with twin-port cylinder head. Two new Ivories were added for 1932: a 250cc two-stroke with Villiers-based engine - the Ivory Minor - and a 494cc version of the ohv model. The Minor lasted for little more than a season before the Calthorpe range was reduced to just the 494cc Ivory Major. The Minor was revived in 1934, but this time with a 250cc four-stroke engine, while the 350 returned for 1935 as the Ivory Junior. South London dealers Pride & Clarke held exclusive sales rights to the range for 1937 but Calthorpe would not survive for much longer, going into receivership in 1938.
This particular example presents very well, with a very pleasing ivory with red pinstripe repaint and shiny brightwork. As the bike has been in the collection since 2003, a complete service will be necessary prior to returning the machine to the road.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTOR CAR lots (Lots 201 - 285) the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE lots (Lots 101 - 150), the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA and other non-motor vehicle property (Lots 1 - 70), the premium is 27.5% on the first $12,500 of the bid price, 25% on the amount above $12,500 up to and including $600,000, 20% on the amount above $600,000 up to and including $6,000,000, and 14.5% of any amount which exceeds $6,000,000.
BENEFIT LOTS (Lots 151 to 154) will not be charged a buyer's premium.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For buyers who plan to collect their purchases immediately, Bonhams strongly recommends paying by wire transfer or certified check (bank draft). Credit cards are accepted for Automobilia and Benefit lots only (1-70 & 151-154). Cash
payments have a limit of $10,000. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre-arrange suitable check or
credit approval with Client Services.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international Automobilia shipping and Motorcar and Motorcycle transport as well as export licences please contact the Motorcar Department at [email protected].
Special Car Dealer Notices
For all registrable vehicles, Bonhams is acting as a Florida Vehicle Dealer, Licence Number VI10872201