
LOT 616
1952 NSU 242cc 251 OSL Registration no. NXS 420 Frame no. 1231236 Engine no. 980174
Sold for £4,600 inc. premium
Lot 616
1952 NSU 242cc 251 OSLRegistration no. NXS 420 Frame no. 1231236 Engine no. 980174
The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1952 NSU 242cc 251 OSL
Registration no. NXS 420
Frame no. 1231236
Engine no. 980174
Registration no. NXS 420
Frame no. 1231236
Engine no. 980174
"The most important series of 4-stroke production motorcycles manufactured during the inter-war years was without doubt the O model range." – Mick Walker, NSU The Complete Story.
The 251 OSL was introduced in 1933. Designed by Walter Moore, formerly with Norton, the 242cc overhead-valve engine producing 9bhp at first and 10.5bhp from 1936, at which time a four-speed gearbox replaced the original three-speeder. 1938-onwards examples had the benefit of fully enclosed valve gear. Top speed was around 60mph. Pre-war production amounted to approximately 35,000 units and this highly successful design was continued after the war's end. The post-war 251 OSL was very little different from its pre-war predecessor and continued essentially unchanged until discontinued in 1952, by which time 67,442 had been made.
Dating from the final year of production, this 251 OSL was acquired from a deceased's estate at a UK auction in September 2021. The machine had been part of a private collection and never registered in the UK. Re-commissioning and some minor repairs were carried out and the machine returned to the road. Little needed to be done mechanically, apart from replacing the brake shoes, but the electrics needed to be largely rewired and a new modern voltage controller fitted. Last run earlier this year, the machine is offered with a V5C document and NSU Owners Club dating letter.
Offered with key
The 251 OSL was introduced in 1933. Designed by Walter Moore, formerly with Norton, the 242cc overhead-valve engine producing 9bhp at first and 10.5bhp from 1936, at which time a four-speed gearbox replaced the original three-speeder. 1938-onwards examples had the benefit of fully enclosed valve gear. Top speed was around 60mph. Pre-war production amounted to approximately 35,000 units and this highly successful design was continued after the war's end. The post-war 251 OSL was very little different from its pre-war predecessor and continued essentially unchanged until discontinued in 1952, by which time 67,442 had been made.
Dating from the final year of production, this 251 OSL was acquired from a deceased's estate at a UK auction in September 2021. The machine had been part of a private collection and never registered in the UK. Re-commissioning and some minor repairs were carried out and the machine returned to the road. Little needed to be done mechanically, apart from replacing the brake shoes, but the electrics needed to be largely rewired and a new modern voltage controller fitted. Last run earlier this year, the machine is offered with a V5C document and NSU Owners Club dating letter.
Offered with key
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.









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