LOT 360

c.1921 Hobart 200cc Lightweight Registration no. BT 1171 Frame no. 318 Engine no. A5581

Sold for £3,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 360

c.1921 Hobart 200cc Lightweight

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

c.1921 Hobart 200cc Lightweight
Registration no. BT 1171
Frame no. 318
Engine no. A5581

Hobart Bird & Co, were suppliers of component parts to the burgeoning multitude of motorcycle manufacturers in the 1890s. They made their own machines from approximately 1901. Their machines progressed over time, but there was always the reliance on the smaller capacity bread-and -butter machines that featured bought-in engines from the likes of Villiers, Morris, JAP, etc. The vendor advises us that this two-speed machine, BT 1171, is believed to have been restored by a previous owner in the 1980s. Since that time, it is thought to have successfully completed at least two Banbury runs, although it is not known which years.

The present owner has replaced the saddle, which was a bicycle item, with a rather splendid XL ALL saddle which, along with the two toolboxes, he has had refurbished with Devon leather. The front brake, which was a stirrup-type, has been replaced by a small drum to improve the braking. There appears to be an error on the V5C, which gives the year of manufacture as 1904. However, the machine's features suggest that it is more likely to date from the 1920/21 period. Indeed, an extracted copy on file from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council archives shows the date of 10th February 1921 for the registration BT 1171 relating to a 2.5hp Hobart Cycle with the same engine number and a frame number one digit different. Accordingly, potential buyers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the exact age of the machine prior to bidding. Documentation comprises a current V5C, previous purchase invoice and receipt, copy catalogue illustrations, pre-restoration photographs, correspondence and sundry papers.
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

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 12 October, with the auction 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' 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.
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 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.
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