LOT 271

1946 Royal Enfield 346cc Model CO Registration no. MXS 715 Frame no. M32020 Engine no. 32020 (and CO 1146)

Estimate: £3,800 - £4,200

Lot 271

1946 Royal Enfield 346cc Model CO

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|13 October 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1946 Royal Enfield 346cc Model CO
Registration no. MXS 715
Frame no. M32020
Engine no. 32020 (and CO 1146)

Royal Enfield of Redditch manufactured a range of bewildering and fast-changing variety in the 1930s: 'Slopers' with inclined engines were a feature of the decade's early years, and then in 1936 a revised range with vertical engines began to be phased in, establishing the pattern for Enfield singles for the next 25 years. The first of these new machines were the overhead-valve models G (350cc) and J (500cc), both of which came with coil ignition, dry sump lubrication with oil reservoir contained with the crankcase, and four-speed foot-change gearboxes. Later in the year the line-up expanded with the arrival of the basically similar 250cc overhead-valve S2 and 350cc sidevalve Model C.

In 1940 the 'WD' (War Department) military Model C commenced delivery to UK armed forces and approximately 17,600 had been produced before the model was superseded by the overhead-valve WD/CO in 1942. By the war's end more than 29,000 WD/C and WD/CO models had been supplied to Allied forces, some 2,800-or-so going to the RAF. The CO was not revived after the war, although former military machines rebuilt by the factory were available initially alongside newer versions of the pre-war models G and J, both of which were now equipped with telescopic front forks.

An older restoration with a charming patina, this Model CO has been ridden on various VMCC runs and last ran in May 2024. The vendor is selling in order to reduce his collection on account of his advancing years and health issues. Offered with a current V5C Registration Certificate.
Offered without key

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

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