LOT 595

1928 James 496cc Sports Twin Project Registration no. UC 8261 Frame no. DP 1733 Engine no. ST1983

Sold for £5,175 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 595

1928 James 496cc Sports Twin Project
Registration no. UC 8261 Frame no. DP 1733 Engine no. ST1983

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1928 James 496cc Sports Twin Project
Registration no. UC 8261
Frame no. DP 1733
Engine no. ST1983

James's first v-twin motorcycle, the 500cc 'No.7', arrived in 1914. Priced at 60 guineas, this top-of-the-range offering was a quality product that incorporated some interesting ideas, one of the more practical being the 'spring drive' shock absorber built into the rear wheel hub. 'We confidently claim that this refinement affords all the sweetness of "belt drive" with none of the attendant foibles,' declared its maker. After WWI, James continued to offer a range that consisted of both singles and twins, the 3½hp (496cc) Model 12 Sports Twin being a new introduction for 1923.

This Sports Twin was in long-term family ownership of some 40 years before being sold as a part-restored project at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2012 (Lot 515). Since then considerable further restoration has been carried out: gearbox rebuilt; wheels rebuilt; tank restored and repainted; speedometer restored; and new brakes, mudguards, seat, control levers and taper-roller steering head bearings fitted. Although not fully rebuilt, the engine has been converted to provide a positive oil-feed to the main and big-end bearings. Four boxes of spares are included in the sale. Offered with instruction books; an original parts book; sundry bills; a green continuation logbook and old/current V5/V5C documents, this most worthwhile project represents an exciting opportunity to return this rare Vintage-era James to the road. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the completeness or otherwise of this Lot prior to bidding.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

There is no old V5 with this lot but the V5C is present.

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
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-336 & 401-651) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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 payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles