c.1924 Ner-a-Car 285cc

Frame no. 3797 Engine no. 4845

Footnotes

• Purchased in 2001

• Original factory paintwork and transfer

• Eligible for the Banbury Run and Graham Walker Run

Despite the demonstrable advantages of hub centre steering and the fact that the system has appeared at regular intervals since motorcycling's earliest days, there had only ever been one machine - before the advent of Yamaha's GTS - that made it into volume production: the Ner-a-Car. Invented by American Carl A Neracher in 1919, the machine was built under licence in the UK by Sheffield Simplex, using part of what had been the Sopwith Aviation works in Kingston-on-Thames. The basic design remained unaltered - pressed-steel chassis, voluminous front mudguard, hub-centre-steering, friction drive transmission - but whereas US-built models were powered by a two-stroke engine of 221cc, Sheffield Simplex chose to fit their own 285cc unit. Four-stroke sidevalve and (later) overhead-valve 350cc Blackburne-engined versions equipped with conventional three-speed gearboxes followed. Endowed with excellent handling and weather protection, the Ner-a-Car was a great success, production only ceasing in 1926 because of problems within other parts of the Sheffield Simplex group.

This highly original example was purchased at Bonhams & Brooks' Stafford sale in October 2001 (Lot 586). Our description was as follows: 'Last taxed for the road in 1932, this 285cc Ner-a-Car is reported to have been owned by a Somerset lady, who, having fallen off it once, never road it again. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the machine is described as in "very original" condition and comes with an original (1924) owner's manual.' Boasting its original factory paintwork and transfer, the machine carries a 1932 tax disc and features an original Gough Ner-a-Car saddle and Halford horn. Accompanying documentation includes the auction catalogue page, a photocopied parts list, a magazine article, and a selection of photographs.


• Acquise en 2001

• Peinture et décalques d'usine d'origine

• Eligible aux Banbury et Graham Walker Runs


Cet exemplaire dans un bel état d'origine a été acquis lors de la vente Bonhams & Brooks de Stafford en octobre 2001 (Lot 586). Elle était décrite ainsi : « Taxe de circulation acquittée pour la dernière fois en 1932, cette Ner-a-Car de 285 cm3 aurait été la propriété d'une dame du Somerset qui, après une seule chute, ne reprit jamais la route à son guidon. » Offerte « à restaurer » et vendue strictement dans l'état, la machine est décrite comme étant d'origine et accompagnée du manuel d'utilisation d'origine (1924). En peinture d'origine usine et avec ses décalques, la machine qui possède sa vignette fiscale de 1932 est équipée d'une selle Gough Ner-a-Car et d'une trompe Halford d'origine. La documentation jointe comprend la page du catalogue de la vente, une liste de pièces de rechange en photocopie, un article de magazine et une sélection de photos.


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.