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LOT 217

From the estate of the late Dave Benson 1939 Francis-Barnett 249cc Seagull Registration no. EBY 197 Frame no. JC37243 Engine no. UU385

Sold for £1,955 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 217

From the estate of the late Dave Benson, 1939 Francis-Barnett 249cc Seagull

From the estate of the late Dave Benson
1939 Francis-Barnett 249cc Seagull
Registration no. EBY 197
Frame no. JC37243
Engine no. UU385

Founded by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, Francis-Barnett set up shop in the old Excelsior works in Coventry in 1919. The downturn in the motorcycle market in the early 1920s prompted F-B to switch from producing expensive, high quality machines to the more utilitarian. First seen in 1923, the first of these was the triangulated, pin-jointed, straight-tube frame models whose novel method of construction gave rise to the 'Built Like A Bridge' advertising slogan. With the exception of a pair of Blackburne-engined four-strokes introduced in 1935, Francis-Barnett used Villiers two-stroke engines exclusively throughout the 1930s. Powered by a long-stroke (63x80mm) Villiers engine, the 249cc Seagull debuted in 1935 as the Model 42/43 and remained a feature of the range into 1940.

First registered on 17th February 1939, this Seagull has been registered to the late Dave Benson since December 1995 (according to the HPI sheet). Notable features include a Smiths 80mph speedometer and an original Lycett saddle. Accompanying documentation consists of an old-style continuation logbook (1954); old-style V5; photocopy older V5; and some photocopied magazine articles. A copy of Francis-Barnett Hints & Spares comes with the machine.

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 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note the machine will require recommissioning or more extensive restoration.

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