1914 Royal Enfield 6hp Model 190 with Wicker Sidecar

Registration no. OA 3856 Frame no. 7218 Engine no. 44130

• Formerly the property of the late Dr Gordon Hadfield, FRCS
• Many-time Banbury Run and Pioneer Run participant
• Pioneer Run Finisher's Awards for the last 10 years
• Last run in February 2022

The origins of the Royal Enfield marque can be traced back to a small light engineering firm - George Townsend & Company - founded in Redditch, Worcestershire in mid-Victorian times. The firm moved into bicycle manufacture and by the turn of the Century had been reorganised as the Enfield Cycle Company, makers of the 'Royal Enfield'. The Redditch company built its first powered vehicles - De Dion-engined tricycles and quadricycles - in the closing years of the 19th Century and its first motorcycles around 1900. By 1904 the firm was concentrating on motor car production, resuming motorcycle manufacture in 1910 with a 2¼hp v-twin Motosacoche-powered lightweight. A 2¾hp version with two-speed gear and all-chain drive followed. The famous JAP v-twin-engined 6hp (770cc) sidecar outfit joined the range for 1912.

The splendid machine offered here formerly belonged to the late Dr Gordon Hadfield, FRCS, who served the motorcycling community for many years. Gordon Hadfield began as a medic in the Army where he gained experience with motorcycling, which led to his career as a Medical Officer, serving at most of the British circuits. During his time as a Medical Officer, Hadfield gave first-aid attention to Messrs Duke, Hailwood and Agostini, among others. Later in his career, he became President of the FIM Medical Committee. Always an enthusiast, he owned this Enfield for many years, regularly finishing the Banbury Run and Pioneer Run. It is understood that the machine was restored in the 1970s.

The current vendor purchased 'OA 3856' at Bonhams' Stafford sale in April 2010 (Lot 385). Since then the combination has been ridden successfully on the VMCC's Banbury Run and Scottish Veteran and Vintage Gathering (conquering hills of 1 in 6) and for the last 10 years has gained a Finisher's Award at the Pioneer Run.

We are advised by the enthusiast vendor that the Royal Enfield is fitted with an ingenious electric starter, designed by Gordon Hadfield. Accompanying documentation includes an old-style logbook; old/current V5/V5C registration documents; and Pioneer Certificate number '1149'. Last run in February 2022, this charming Royal Enfield motorcycle combination is ready for its fortunate next owner to enjoy on this summer's Veteran and Vintage events.
Offered without key