LOT 24

From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John 1948 Brockhouse 98cc Corgi Registration no. EDR 181 Frame no. 7979 Engine no. MK2 W16792

Sold for £2,530 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 24

From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John, 1948 Brockhouse 98cc Corgi

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|27 January 2025, 12:23 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John
1948 Brockhouse 98cc Corgi
Registration no. EDR 181
Frame no. 7979
Engine no. MK2 W16792

Effectively a lightweight scooter, the Brockhouse Corgi was derived from the military Excelsior Welbike which had been developed during WWII for parachute drops by the Special Operations Executive at Welwyn. The Corgi retained design features such as folding handlebars and a telescopic saddle, but there were inevitably changes to make it better suited to its new civilian role. Powered by the 98cc Excelsior Spryt engine, it was announced in 1946, but this was the immediate post-war period when a high proportion of Britain's industrial production was exported, and it wasn't until 1948 that it could be bought in the UK. Marketed in the USA as the Indian Papoose, and offered in as many as 48 different countries, production continued until 1954, with a surprisingly high total of over 27,000 being manufactured. Little is known about the early history of this example, but it was first registered in August 1948, acquired by Geoffrey St. John at some time prior to 1978, and was, until very recently, displayed on a shelf in his garage. The engine turns over freely, and much of the paintwork appears to be original. It is accompanied by a V5C and a rare Corgi owner's manual, albeit relating to the later mark IV version. Recommissioning or restoration will obviously be required following a long period of storage. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. 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.

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Additional information

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£2,000 - £2,500

From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John, 1948 Brockhouse 98cc Corgi

From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John1948 Brockhouse 98cc CorgiRegistration no. EDR 181Frame no. 7979Engine no. MK2 W16792

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From the estate of the late Geoffrey St John
1948 Brockhouse 98cc Corgi
Registration no. EDR 181
Frame no. 7979
Engine no. MK2 W16792