LOT 507

c. 1915 Calthorpe-JAP 292cc Registration no. BS 9250 Frame no. 550 Engine no. 20877

Sold for £4,025 inc. premium

Lot 507

c. 1915 Calthorpe-JAP 292cc

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

c. 1915 Calthorpe-JAP 292cc
Registration no. BS 9250
Frame no. 550
Engine no. 20877

Manufactured by the Minstrel & Rea Cycle Company, of Birmingham, the first Calthorpe motorcycle appeared in 1909 powered by a 3½hp White & Poppe engine. The following year there were no fewer than six Calthorpe models displayed at the Motor Cycle Show at Olympia, some of which featured an 'free' engine clutch and two-speed gear. Precision-engined models, including a 5/6hp v-twin, joined the line-up a few years later together with an overhead-valve Tourist Trophy model. By 1915, when the example offered here is believed to have been made, the range had shrunk to just two lightweights: a 292cc JAP and 243cc Peco-powered two-stroke, both of which featured chain-cum-belt transmission.

This rare Calthorpe-JAP affords the convenience of a Royal Enfield two-speed primary/kickstart transmission. An older restoration that is still in highly original condition, the machine was used regularly on VMCC events up to 2013, since when it has been kept in warm dry storage by the enthusiast vendor. It last ran in 2020. The machine comes with old/current V5C documents and a quantity of photocopied marque-related literature.

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 VMCC Calthorpe specialist kindly advises that this is a well known machine in Calthorpe circles and is dated 1920, being one of the last made by Calthorpe with the Enfield two speed gear and 293 cc JAP engine. There is an additional frame number present, of: B12121

Additional information

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