LOT 349

c.1904 Minerva 3½hp Registration no. AU 3728 (see text) Frame no. unable to locate Engine no. unable to locate

Sold for £7,475 inc. premium

Lot 349

c.1904 Minerva 3½hp

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1904 Minerva 3½hp
Registration no. AU 3728 (see text)
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. unable to locate

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'. As well as building complete powered machines of its own, the company served the much larger proprietary engine market, supplying many Continental manufacturers as well as those in Britain, notably: Ariel, Matchless, Phoenix, Quadrant, Royal Enfield, and Triumph.

Referring to the machine offered here, a letter on file from Minerva Motors (England) Ltd states: "3½ Minerva cycle, engine No.11266 is fitted into frame No.18569 and was supplied by Minerva Motors, Antwerp on January 6th 1905." The accompanying Pioneer Certificate lists the same numbers and records the date of manufacture as 1904. Also on file is an RF.60 continuation logbook (1931) and a Nottingham Police receipt. It should be noted that the registration number 'AU 3728' is not recorded in the HPI/DVLA database; accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. An older restoration, the machine has been garage-stored for over 20 years and will require recommissioning before returning to the road (the engine turns over). Sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required

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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is: 11266

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
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cycles, Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers 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.
- Motorcycles