LOT 221

The John Hobbs Collection c.1903 G&W 'Minerva' Project Registration no. AN 270 (see text) Frame no. 1704 Engine no. 7906 (see text)

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 221

The John Hobbs Collection, c.1903 G&W 'Minerva' 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.1903 G&W 'Minerva' Project
Registration no. AN 270 (see text)
Frame no. 1704
Engine no. 7906 (see text)

Although a latecomer to bicycle manufacturer, the Belgian Minerva concern was among the first to offer a viable proprietary engine for motorcycles. Nominally of one horsepower, the 211cc unit was designed for attachment ahead of the cycle's front down-tube - a location which became known as the 'Minerva position' - and was of advanced configuration, employing a mechanically operated inlet valve instead of the automatic type favoured by rival manufacturers. As well as building complete powered machines of its own, the company served the much larger proprietary engine market, supplying many Continental manufacturers as well as those in Britain, notably: Ariel, Matchless, Phoenix, Quadrant, Royal Enfield, and Triumph.

This interesting machine is fitted with a Minerva engine and is offered as an unfinished rolling project. Some modern machined parts are present, while the tank panel, levers, controls and sundry other parts are missing. The crankcase numbers are matching (7906). The registration 'AN 270' has lapsed from the HPI/DVLA database; however, there is a 1947 RF.60 logbook present which lists a Mr Percival Collett as being the registered keeper in 1947. It also lists the machine as a G&W 2HP, previously fitted with engine number 2355 and its date of original registration under the Roads Act, 1920 as 29 December 1903. G&W potentially relates to 'Guy and Wheeler' who produced and assembled motorcycles from 1902, the firm using a variety of engines including Minerva, Peugeot and Fafnir.

Sold strictly as viewed, the machine will require restoration to a greater or lesser extent, and prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, correctness, date and suitability of the machine's component parts prior to bidding. Offered with the aforementioned log book and two photographs.

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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