1961 BMW 247cc R27

BMW's first new post-WWII model was a 'single', the 247cc R24, which arrived in 1948 looking pretty much like the pre-war R23 but producing an additional 2 horsepower. In mid-1950 the R24 was superseded by the R25, which featured plunger rear suspension but was otherwise very similar. An improved R25/2 version was introduced during 1951 incorporating a stronger crankshaft and minor revisions to the front mudguard stays and seat springing. By 1956 BMW's 'one-lunger' had evolved into the R26. In what would turn out to be its penultimate form, BMW's quarter-litre luxury lightweight boasted a more powerful engine than its R25 predecessor; an Earles-type leading-link front fork; and a larger fuel tank among numerous improvements. The range's final development - the R27 - arrived in 1960 substantially unchanged but for the adoption of a rubber-mounted engine. Built to the same exemplary standards as the Bavarian company's famous horizontally-opposed twins, the traditional BMW single was much missed after its demise in 1966.

This beautiful R27 was delivered new to the US importers Butler & Smith Inc of New York and first owned by one Anita Caveluzzi. In the 1980s/1990s/2000s the machine was owned in the State of Maine by well known collector the late Richard C Paine Jr (see original documents on file). The BMW was purchased from Bonhams' sale of the Paine Collection at The Owls Head Transportation Museum in September 2008 (Lot 821) and imported into the UK, but was not first registered here until 1st May 2013.

The late owner purchased the BMW on 20th May 2021 from Mr Brian Thomas, who had bought it from D R Classic Motorcycles Ltd on 9th September 2013 (receipts on file). The substantial quantity of bills on file appears to indicate that the R27 was comprehensively restored while belonging to Mr Thomas. Requiring recommissioning before further use, the comprehensive history file contains some expired MoTs; assorted correspondence; photocopied historical and technical literature; old/current V5C registration documents; and two instruction manuals (one original, one photocopied). Keys present.