1912 Singer 299cc

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1912 Singer 299cc
Registration no. YST 710
Frame no. 264801
Engine no. 03816

The Singer Cycle Company first ventured into powered transport with the Singer Motor Wheel, which had been invented by Messrs Edwin Perks and Frank Birch and patented in 1899. Their invention consisted of a small four-stroke engine complete with carburettor, fuel tank, and low-tension magneto, which was housed within an eight-spoked cast-aluminium wheel suitable for attachment to any standard bicycle (at the rear) or tricycle (at the front). Within a few years, though, the Motor Wheel had been superseded by motorcycles of more conventional design with the engine in the bottom-bracket position, driving the rear wheel by chain or belt. Singer then abandoned motorcycle manufacture, returning in 1909 with the Moto-Velo, a Motosacoche-inspired powered bicycle. A 'proper' Singer motorcycle - a 299cc sidevalve-engined lightweight - soon followed. Singer ceased motorcycle production in 1915 and survivors of the make are rare.

A display sheet on file states that this Singer was kept in a museum as a set of parts before being purchased by Trevor Cornelius (in 2000). The Singer was restored by Colin Borley in 2005 and purchased by the current owner in 2007. A hand-written note on file lists two owners prior to Mr Cornelius: Graham Nairn (to April 1978) and Brian Collins (to April 1982). The machine comes with a substantial history file containing old/current V5Cs; DVLA correspondence; marque-related literature and press cuttings; a Pioneer Certificate; a 'Best in Show' rosette; and photographs of the Singer and its owner at various events, including the Pioneer Run.

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

The full engine number is: 03816

Additional information

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