1903 G&W Minerva 2hp

• Possibly the sole survivor of this little known make
• Formerly part of the John Hobbs Collection
• Extensively restored and engine rebuilt
• Pioneer Certificate awaited

Although a latecomer to bicycle manufacturer, the Belgian Minerva concern was among the first to offer a viable proprietary engine for motorcycles. Nominally of one horsepower, the 211cc unit was designed for attachment ahead of the cycle's front down-tube - a location which became known as the 'Minerva position'. The 1903 254cc 2hp was of more advanced configuration, employing a mechanically operated inlet valve instead of the automatic type favoured by rival manufacturers, and a new 'spray carburettor'. As well as building complete machines of its own, the company served the much larger proprietary engine market, supplying many early Continental manufacturers as well as those in Britain: notably Ariel, Matchless, Phoenix, Quadrant, Royal Enfield, and Triumph.

This interesting machine is fitted with a 1903 Minerva 2hp engine boasting matching crankcase numbers ('7906'). At some stage it has been fitted with a slightly later Brown & Barlow carburettor on which it runs acceptably. The 1947 RF60 logbook lists a Mr Percival Collett as registered keeper in 1947. It also describes the machine as a 'G&W 2HP', at that date fitted with engine number '2355', and shows the date of original registration under the Roads Act of 1920 as 9th December 1903. G&W appears to be 'Guy and Wheeler' of South John Street, Liverpool, who manufactured and assembled motorcycles from 1902 to 1905. The firm reportedly used a variety of engines including Minerva, Peugeot and Fafnir. This machine is a very rare survivor of the marque and may be unique.

The vendor (who has experience with another 1903 Minerva) purchased this machine as an incomplete project from Bonhams' sale of the late John Hobbs' Collection, in order to obtain a spare 1903 Minerva engine. However, it proved to be more complete and better restored than expected, and much too rare to break up. The machine has now been re-registered with its original number via the VMCC, who dated it as 1903. It has also been dated by the Sunbeam MCC as 1903, and a Pioneer Certificate is in the process of being issued.

The engine had been extensively rebuilt, presumably by John Hobbs, with a crankshaft rebuild, including a newly machined drive-side flywheel and driveshaft. The cylinder has had an exhaust port repair, new valves, a rebore, and a new Norton Dominator piston of correct dimensions. New 6V ignition parts are fitted. The machine now runs well for an early Veteran machine with direct drive. Having completed the restoration, the vendor finds the seat height much too high for him to ride safely, so he reluctantly offers the machine for sale.