LOT 219

The John Hobbs Collection 1909 FN 247cc Single Project Registration no. SV 8244 Frame no. 31228 Engine no. 1526

Sold for £5,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 219

The John Hobbs Collection, 1909 FN 247cc Single Project

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

The John Hobbs Collection
1909 FN 247cc Single Project
Registration no. SV 8244
Frame no. 31228
Engine no. 1526

Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN' for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles around 1900. Today the Belgian company is best known for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904. In 1900 the firm's first powered two-wheeler had been produced by mounting a clip-on engine in a bicycle frame, and in December the following year the first production model arrived, powered by a 133cc single-cylinder engine. FN's single-cylinder models evolved gradually, growing in size firstly to 188cc before arriving at 285cc in 1913, by which the atmospheric inlet valve had given way to a mechanically operated one. Variable-pulley transmission had been introduced on the belt-driven singles in 1907 but would be superseded by shaft drive in 1910, its introduction coinciding with that of the two-speed gearbox.

The FN project offered here is an older restoration that was last taxed in 2015, and is offered with a selection of detached components including engine, magneto and other sundry items. Little is known about this particular example however, the accompanying current/old V5C's suggest John acquired the machine around 2004, previously owned by a Kenneth Woodward of Sturminster Newton, who acquired the machine around 2000. 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.

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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