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LOT 647

Property of the late Warrick Blackwell c.1978 Yamaha TZ250E Racing Motorcycle Project Frame no. 430-996548 Engine no. DS7-996548

Sold for £6,325 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 647

Property of the late Warrick Blackwell, c.1978 Yamaha TZ250E Racing Motorcycle Project
Frame no. 430-996548 Engine no. DS7-996548

Property of the late Warrick Blackwell
c.1978 Yamaha TZ250E Racing Motorcycle Project
Frame no. 430-996548
Engine no. DS7-996548

The mainstay of 250cc class racing at national and international level for many years, the twin-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha well deserved the title of 'privateer's friend'. Following its successful adoption for the 1972 works twins, water cooling first appeared on Yamaha's over-the-counter racers with the introduction of the TZ range in 1973. Power output remained the same as that of the preceding air-cooled TD/TR models but reliability was much improved. Over the succeeding decade the TZ engine was updated with reed-valve induction, exhaust power valves, separate cylinders and a backwards-rotating crankshaft, but the layout always remained that of a parallel twin. On the chassis side, discs replaced the original drum brakes, a 'lowboy' frame was introduced and an aluminium swinging arm adopted.

With the 250cc class now defunct at World Championship level, these purpose-built Grand Prix racers are becoming increasingly collectible and this TZ250E represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one. Unfortunately, nothing is known of the racing history of this incomplete example, which is rare in retaining matching frame and engine numbers. The only documentation is an undated sales receipt for the sum of £1,000 (the last two frame/engine number digits are transposed). Not ridden for some time, the machine is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed.
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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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