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LOT 232

c.1926 New Imperial 300cc Model 2 Registration no. UH 2231 Frame no. D16646 Engine no. B4155

Sold for £4,600 inc. premium

c.1926 New Imperial 300cc Model 2
Registration no. UH 2231
Frame no. D16646
Engine no. B4155

Builder of the last British-made machine to win the Lightweight 250 TT (in 1936) New Imperial was unsurpassed for innovation during the 1930s, with models featuring pivoted fork rear suspension and unitary construction of engine and gearbox. The marque was established in 1900 when Norman Downs acquired a cycle company in Birmingham, which he reorganised as New Imperial Cycles. The firm's first motorcycles, designed along Werner lines, were shown at the 1901 Stanley Show in London but were not well received. Not until 1910 did Downs try again, launching a conventional JAP-powered model - the Light Tourist - that would prove an outstanding success. In racing, New Imperial concentrated on the 250 class, winning the Isle of Man TT trophy for 250cc machines in 1921 and their first Lightweight TT in 1924, a feat repeated the following year. On the commercial front, the late 1920s saw production facilities expand and proprietary engines abandoned in favour of New Imperial's own power units.

Apparently a Model 2 '350' fitted with a 300cc engine from a Model 1, this Vintage-era New Imperial was acquired by the vendor's late father, prominent collector Ken Senior, in August 2008. An older restoration that deserves further renovation, 'UH 2231' will require recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with old-style V5/V5C documents.

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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