The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.

If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.

• Matching numbers Scott
• Fitted with the very rare 4 speed gearbox

Alfred Angas Scott's experiments with two-stroke motorcycle engines began in the closing years of the 19th Century. The first complete Scott motorcycle followed in 1908, its twin-cylinder engine, two-speed foot-change gear and all-chain drive marking it out as an exceptionally advanced design. Low weight, ample power and sure-footed handling thanks to a low centre of gravity were Scott virtues from the outset. The Flying Squirrel model name was first used on the fastest of the 1925-26 two speed models – it was effectively a replica of the 1925 TT machines. For the 1926 Senior TT the factory introduced the heavier duplex frame, their reinforced 'kite' forks, and an improved three speed gearbox. The production version of this machine, launched in late 1926 for the 1927 model year, inherited the same Flying Squirrel title, and continued in the range with various changes for almost 25 years, all the way through to the end of production at Shipley.

The economic situation meant that the 1930s were very lean years for the factory: only 63 machines were built in 1933. In 1934 (the year of this machine) things improved, but only a little, with a total production of 153. 1931 to 1933 saw the duplex frame used only on the TT Replica, but in 1934 it returned across the whole three model range. This machine is a Flying Squirrel Tourer. Its 'LFZ' engine number prefix identifies it as a 498cc long-stroke unit with the old 'blind' cylinder head (the factory sales brochure suggests that the detachable head was fitted only to the TT Replica in 1934). We thank Maddie in the VMCC Library for confirming that this is a matching numbers machine: the frame, engine, and gearbox are the original components. According to records it was despatched to R. Smith Motors, London on 28th March 1934. This was probably Rowland Smith Motors in Hampstead High Street. 1934 was the year that Scott offered their new four speed gearbox as an additional cost option, and it was specified for this machine. These four speed boxes are extremely rare, and they do have a reputation of being troublesome. Over the years most have been replaced with the tried and tested three speed item, so a Scott with its original four speed box is a very rare find. The engine turns over, however the rest of its mechanical condition is completely unknown – and this obviously includes the gearbox.

We thank Ian Parsons, the Scott Owners' Club registrar for the club's history of the bike. It was at one point owned by the late Nick Sloan, a long time Scott enthusiast. It subsequently passed to Ken Bills, and was displayed in his Rochester Motorcycle Museum. The Museum's bikes were dispersed in a Sotheby's sale in November 1991. The Sotheby's sale catalogue stated 'This machine was acquired as a basket case and restored for display in the museum with the assistance of parts donated by enthusiasts. These include the tank, radiator and saddle, and have now been removed. The machine is therefore, and like all others from the Museum, sold as viewed. No documents have yet been found for this machine.' Presumably the buyer then fitted the tank, radiator, and saddle which can be seen in the photographs. The
Scott currently displays a total of 6,863 miles on the odometer and carries a tax disc that expired in September 1993.

The Scott is offered unregistered and without documents. Despite displaying the Vehicle Registration Number 'AYF 425', the machine is offered without registration documents and the HPI report states that this motorcycle was exported in August 1993. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding and will be responsible for any post-purchase DVLA applications should they wish to attempt to retrieve the VRN.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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