LOT 355

c.1909 'Chater Lea-JAP' 300cc (see text) Registration no. AF 544 Frame no. unable to locate Engine no. 2305

Sold for £11,270 inc. premium

Lot 355

c.1909 'Chater Lea-JAP' 300cc (see text)

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1909 'Chater Lea-JAP' 300cc (see text)
Registration no. AF 544
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. 2305

• Rare marque
• Interesting history
• JAP 300cc single fitted

When originally discovered by our vendor more than half a century ago, this charming and well presented early motorcycle was fitted with a two-stroke Dalm engine. Following his own research over many years, it was discovered that AF 544 is likely to have started life as an early Chater-Lea motorcycle and a note on file suggests the frame may have been modified – common practice after World War 1 because of the shortage of motorcycle top tubes, bikes were often converted with drop tubes for the fitment of later engines, hence the Dalm two-stroke engine previously fitted.

Subsequently restored over the following decades and fitted with a JAP single, AF 544 was completed between 2008-2011. Dry-stored and forming part of the vendor's personal collection of early motorcycles, the machine is presented in good order, although following a period of inactivity, this older restored early single will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent, hence this delightful machine is sold strictly as viewed. Some further research might shed some interesting light onto the origins of its early history.

Offered with V5C and Old V5 (both listing the date of registration as 30 01 1982), 1909 'The Motor Cycle' Chater Lea extracts, photocopy 1911 Chater Lea model extract, photocopy Armstrong hub literature, 1977 Chater Lea Manufacturing co letter (to our private vendor) advising there are no records surviving for early machines, 1977 R.F. Currie (Motor Cycle Editor) correspondence. It should be noted, we are unable to locate a frame number due to heavy repaint hence prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to condition, completeness and composition of the machine's component parts prior to bidding.
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 Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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