James Stensel
Head of Department
LOT 322
The Clive Wood MBE Collection c.1920 ABC 398cc Registration no. unregistered (see text) Frame no. 2487 (see text) Engine no. 3114 (see text)
Sold for £8,050 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 322
The Clive Wood MBE Collection, c.1920 ABC 398cc
The Clive Wood MBE Collection
c.1920 ABC 398cc
Registration no. unregistered (see text)
Frame no. 2487 (see text)
Engine no. 3114 (see text)
c.1920 ABC 398cc
Registration no. unregistered (see text)
Frame no. 2487 (see text)
Engine no. 3114 (see text)
Designed by Granville Bradshaw and produced by the Sopwith Aircraft Company, the ABC drew heavily on its designer's wartime experience in the development of air-cooled aero engines. A ground-breaking design, the ABC engine was a 398cc overhead-valve flat twin with integral four-speed gearbox. Legend has it that the power unit was designed in under three weeks, but Bradshaw did not stop there, going on to pen the duplex loop frame and sprung front and rear forks that marked out the ABC as one of the most advanced motorcycles of its day.
The late vendor purchased this ABC at Bonhams' Harrogate sale in November 2005 (Lot 367). The catalogue description was as follows: "The engine, frame, wheels and fuel tank of this example were restored some years ago. Only assembled relatively recently, the machine will require recommissioning before use. A supplementary mechanical oil pump is the only listed deviation from standard."
It should be noted that neither the frame nor engine numbers match those on the V5 or HPI check for the registration 'XG 2781'; accordingly, this motorcycle is offered unregistered and without documents. Frame number '2487' is listed in the VMCC's Register of Machines (third edition) as being registered as 'MD 7141' (now assigned to a Jaguar) and 'then' listed as having engine number '2606' fitted. The machine is offered for recommissioning or further restoration and sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns).
The late vendor purchased this ABC at Bonhams' Harrogate sale in November 2005 (Lot 367). The catalogue description was as follows: "The engine, frame, wheels and fuel tank of this example were restored some years ago. Only assembled relatively recently, the machine will require recommissioning before use. A supplementary mechanical oil pump is the only listed deviation from standard."
It should be noted that neither the frame nor engine numbers match those on the V5 or HPI check for the registration 'XG 2781'; accordingly, this motorcycle is offered unregistered and without documents. Frame number '2487' is listed in the VMCC's Register of Machines (third edition) as being registered as 'MD 7141' (now assigned to a Jaguar) and 'then' listed as having engine number '2606' fitted. The machine is offered for recommissioning or further restoration and sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns).
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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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.
Saleroom notices
There is an invoice and photographs offered with this lot.
Additional information
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