1907 Moto-Rêve 2½hp V-Twin

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

1907 Moto-Rêve 2½hp V-Twin
Registration no. BF 8163
Frame no. 923
Engine no. 923

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, Moto-Rêve (literally: 'dream bike') made complete motorcycles and proprietary engines for sale to other manufacturers between 1904 and 1925, and were pioneers of the small-capacity v-twin.

Moto-Rêve motorcycles were imported by Frank Feeney's firm, The Motor Supply Company based in Lewisham, South London, which was the sole concessionaire for the UK and Colonies. However, it was found that the machines infringed on Bowden's patents relating to cables, leading to future imports being restricted to engines only. Feeney then changed his firm's name to The Moto-Rêve Co Ltd and assembled and sold complete machines using UK-sourced cycle parts. In 1912 Moto-Rêve' established the 'Alp' brand in the UK to produce their motorcycles, though whether Feeney participated in that venture or was merely a distributor is unclear.

This 275cc Moto-Rêve dates from 1907 and was acquired by Terry Parker, partly dismantled, at an Australian auction in the 1980s. Noteworthy features include a Hella headlamp and P&H acetylene generator. The current vendor purchased the machine when Bonhams sold the Terry Parker Collection at Stafford in October 2017 (Lot 190). It was ridden on the Pioneer Run in 2017 and has been used on other events too. Run earlier this year, this rare French Veteran is offered with a Pioneer Certificate and V5C document.
Key not required

Footnotes

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