LOT 418 *N

1939 BMW 494cc R51 Registration no. Not registered Frame no. 509364 Engine no. OZ-80 504431

Sold for £10,925 inc. premium

Lot 418^*,N

1939 BMW 494cc R51

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

1939 BMW 494cc R51
Registration no. Not registered
Frame no. 509364
Engine no. OZ-80 504431

An important milestone in the development of BMW's long-running flat-twin occurred in 1936 with the introduction of the 494cc R5. Prior to that the BMW engine had been recognisably related to the first of its type, the 1923 R32, and like those of its (500cc) predecessors, the R5's engine dimensions were 'square' at 68x68mm bore/stroke. However, the overhead-valve R5 engine broke new ground by adopting two chain-driven camshafts, a move that permitted shorter pushrods and higher revs. Maximum power increased to 24bhp at 5,800rpm while top speed was an impressive 140km/h (87mph). In 1938 this flagship model was up-dated as the R51, gaining a telescopic front fork and plunger rear suspension, and continued in production until 1940.

Apparently original, this example's frame and engine numbers correspond with R51 production numbers for 1939-40 and match those of an R51 delivered to the BMW dealer in Schwerin in March 1939. The machine comes with a 2015 Wudo Motorrad invoice for various minor components; there are no other documents on file. An older restoration clearly unused for a considerable period, the machine will require careful recommissioning or potentially more extensive restoration before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. Offered with one toolbox key.

Footnotes

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, Shippio Ltd, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Motorcycles department [email protected] +44 (0) 20 8963 2817.

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.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-88) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 101-176 & 201-429) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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12 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
13 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.