LOT 215
The John Hobbs Collection c.1910 FN 498cc Four Registration no. FX 406 Frame no. 35582 Engine no. U644
Sold for £28,750 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 215
The John Hobbs Collection, c.1910 FN 498cc Four
The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
The John Hobbs Collection
c.1910 FN 498cc Four
Registration no. FX 406
Frame no. 35582
Engine no. U644
c.1910 FN 498cc Four
Registration no. FX 406
Frame no. 35582
Engine no. U644
• The world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle
• Requiring recommissioning
• Enlarged 498cc example
Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN' for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904 and was first exhibited publicly at the 1905 Paris Cycle Show. Designed by Paul Kelecom, the FN was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth, almost vibration-free operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Advanced for its day, the 362cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves; a robust five-bearing crankshaft; individual crankcase oil wells for the connecting rods; and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Supported on ball bearings, the driveshaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. The engine was enlarged to 410cc in 1906 and 498cc in 1910. In 1911 the factory introduced its own two-speed transmission, similar to that already offered by Horstmann in Britain, which was contained within the drive-shaft housing.
An older restoration that presents well, this early FN Four was last taxed in 2013 and is believed to have seen little use since. Little else is known about this wonderful example. The accompanying duplicate RF.60 logbook lists a Mr Albert William Coffin of Preston, Yeovil as a previous owner in 1957 whilst the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club Pioneer Certificate lists notable collector Mr J. F. Weekly of Hants as owner in 1981. Offered with the aforementioned log book, Pioneer Certificate, together with current/old V5C's and a 2008 MoT. The machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road.
• Requiring recommissioning
• Enlarged 498cc example
Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN' for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904 and was first exhibited publicly at the 1905 Paris Cycle Show. Designed by Paul Kelecom, the FN was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth, almost vibration-free operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Advanced for its day, the 362cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves; a robust five-bearing crankshaft; individual crankcase oil wells for the connecting rods; and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Supported on ball bearings, the driveshaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. The engine was enlarged to 410cc in 1906 and 498cc in 1910. In 1911 the factory introduced its own two-speed transmission, similar to that already offered by Horstmann in Britain, which was contained within the drive-shaft housing.
An older restoration that presents well, this early FN Four was last taxed in 2013 and is believed to have seen little use since. Little else is known about this wonderful example. The accompanying duplicate RF.60 logbook lists a Mr Albert William Coffin of Preston, Yeovil as a previous owner in 1957 whilst the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club Pioneer Certificate lists notable collector Mr J. F. Weekly of Hants as owner in 1981. Offered with the aforementioned log book, Pioneer Certificate, together with current/old V5C's and a 2008 MoT. The machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road.
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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- 14 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 15 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
