LOT 217

The John Hobbs Collection c.1914 FN 750cc Four Project Registration no. AO 4528 Frame no. 70196 Engine no. 121 (see text)

Sold for £8,050 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 217

The John Hobbs Collection, c.1914 FN 750cc Four Project

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The John Hobbs Collection
c.1914 FN 750cc Four Project
Registration no. AO 4528
Frame no. 70196
Engine no. 121 (see text)

Responding to demands from sidecarists for more power, FN introduced a 748cc, 7hp four – the Type 700 – for 1914. This new engine was a sidevalve of 'T'-head layout, with mechanically operated valves and a mechanical oil pump, which drove the three-speed gearbox via a steel, multi-plate clutch. Pedal starting was dispensed with on the Type 700, a kick-start mechanism being added at the right-hand side of the engine. The Type 700 had not been in production long before the FN works was seized by the invading German Army in the autumn of 1914. The occupying Germans used the FN factory to manufacture ammunition while continuing production of the Type 700, which had a top speed of around 45mph and was widely used by despatch riders. The model remained in production up to 1923 when it was replaced by a new IOE four featuring overhead inlet valves. Chain drive was adopted soon after.

Frame number '70196' is believed to fit the 1914 range for a 750cc Four. The HPI and V5C for the registration 'AN 270' lists engine number '1139', which was not present when unearthing the motorcycle. However, the four-cylinder engine offered with this lot, numbered '121' is believed to be a suitable replacement for a 1914 model, hence its inclusion. Requiring restoration to a greater or lesser extent, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, correctness, date and suitability of the machine's component parts prior to bidding. The accompanying V5C issued in 2005 lists just one former keeper, a Mr Cyril Brewer of Blackpool.

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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