Skip to main content

LOT 320

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1955 Elswick-Vincent 48cc Firefly Cyclemotor Registration no. UMN 957 (Isle of Man) Frame no. NC10149 Engine no. 56129

Sold for £2,875 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 320

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1955 Elswick-Vincent 48cc Firefly Cyclemotor

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1955 Elswick-Vincent 48cc Firefly Cyclemotor
Registration no. UMN 957 (Isle of Man)
Frame no. NC10149
Engine no. 56129

Seeking new products to ease its parlous financial situation, Vincent took over the production of electrical component manufacturer Miller's new cyclemotor in 1953. Known as the Firefly, this 48cc two-stroke unit was designed to fit beneath a bicycle's bottom bracket and drove the rear wheel via a roller. The latter was larger in diameter than many similar devices and was claimed to offered improved traction and reduced tyre wear. Vincent soon offered a complete machine, which featured a lady's-type open frame manufactured for them by Sun. The Firefly outlasted its more famous v-twin brethren, remaining in production until 1958, and must represent by far the cheapest route to Vincent ownership.

This Firefly is attached to an Elswick gentleman's bicycle. The machine is presented in age-related condition and comes with a letter from previous owner Mr David Hamer, who sold it for £120. Additional documentation consists of a Firefly brochure; a substantial quantity of photocopied technical literature; and an NACC document (recording a different frame number).

Footnotes

If purchased by a UK resident, this machine will be subject to a NOVA Declaration, which Bonhams will undertake at no cost to the buyer. This declaration facilitates the registration process with the DVLA in the UK.

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.

Saleroom notices

We have not been able to locate the frame number.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 14 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 15 October 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1982 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1982 Yamaha XS650

£1,800 - £2,400
1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Yamaha XS650 Special

£1,800 - £2,400
1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1

£1,800 - £2,400
1972 Ducati 350 Mk3
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Ducati 350 Mk3

£2,000 - £5,000
1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£2,000 - £3,000
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'

£2,000 - £4,000
1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1976 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1971 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah

£2,400 - £3,400
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,
United Kingdom

A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,

£2,000 - £3,000
A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,
United Kingdom

A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,
United Kingdom

A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,
United Kingdom

A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,

£2,000 - £3,000
A 48 inch Ordinary bicycle by Samuel Leek of Walsall, circa 1880,
United Kingdom

A 48 inch Ordinary bicycle by Samuel Leek of Walsall, circa 1880,

£2,000 - £3,000