The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1907 Minerva 4½HP 600cc V-Twin

• Used by Robert in the 2007 Isle of Man Centenary TT 1907 Re-enactment
• A highly desirable and historically significant early Belgian V-twin

Societe Anonyme Minerva of Rue Karel Ooms, Anvers, Belgium, had a short but distinguished flirtation with motorcycle manufacture, commencing in 1901 and ending in 1914. This ran parallel with their motor car production at Anvers, although car manufacture continued until 1939, by which time Minerva was acknowledged as Belgium's "Rolls-Royce." As well as building complete motorcycles, Minerva were major suppliers of motorcycle engines to other manufacturers. The quality of their engineering was consistently high, and their machines were advanced in design throughout their production years.

This exceptionally rare 1907 machine is powered by a 600cc V-twin, side-valve engine, fuelled by a B&B carburettor, with final drive by belt and pedal assistance for starting. It is equipped with an acetylene front lamp, bulb horn, rear acetylene lamp, Brooks saddle, and rear carrier which also serves as a stand. Restored and actively campaigned by well-known Scottish enthusiast A. B. Gibson, the bike was offered for sale by his family at Bonhams December 2003 Important Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Fine Automobilia, F1 Memorabilia & Toys & Models sale. It had been ridden in the Sunbeam M.C.C.'s prestigious Pioneer Run and came with Pioneer Certificate number 1159, issued in 1987 to Mr Gibson. The 1988 tax disc suggested that it had last been used then, since when it had been dry-stored.

Acquired by Robert at the 2003 sale, he recommissioned the machine and rode it in the 2007 Isle of Man Centenary TT 1907 Re-enactment, covering two laps of the original 15-mile St John's course. He was rider number 6, and the Dunlop Tyres-sponsored tabard, vehicle pass, re-enactment programme listing Robert as entrant 6, and official TT race guide are all included with the machine. Additional documentation has been added, including a V5C, MoTs from 1987, 2008, 2010, and 2011, and old tax discs. The history file contains correspondence with veteran motorcycle luminaries such as Derek Foxton, Willem Pol, and Geoff Morris. Whilst the correspondence on file notes frame 2081, it was not possible to locate it at time of cataloguing.

Acquired by Robert at the 2003 sale, he recommissioned the machine and rode it in the 2007 Isle of Man Centenary TT 1907 Re-enactment, covering two laps of the original 15-mile St John's course. He was rider number 6, and the Dunlop Tyres-sponsored tabard, vehicle pass, re-enactment programme listing Robert as entrant 6, and official TT race guide are all included with the machine. Additional documentation has been added, including a V5C, MoTs from 1987, 2008, 2010, and 2011, and old tax discs. The history file contains correspondence with veteran motorcycle luminaries such as Derek Foxton, Willem Pol, and Geoff Morris. Whilst the correspondence on file notes frame 2081, it was not possible to locate it at time of cataloguing.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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