LOT 286

c.1920 ABC 398cc 3hp Registration no. Unregistered (see text) Frame no. 1605 (see text) Engine no. 1608 (see text)

Sold for £6,325 inc. premium

Lot 286

c.1920 ABC 398cc 3hp

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|26 April 2026, 11:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1920 ABC 398cc 3hp
Registration no. Unregistered (see text)
Frame no. 1605 (see text)
Engine no. 1608 (see text)

• Offered by the nephew of Granville Bradshaw
• Matching engine and gearbox
• Early Sopwith example

The ABC was designed by Granville Bradshaw, significant figure of the early years of motorcycle manufacture, and produced initially by the All British Engine Company, before the firm was bought by the Sopwith Aviation Company just after the Great War. They produced the bike until approximately 1922. Thereafter, the production moved to France, where Gnome et Rhone took over the manufacture under licence for a further three years, eventually being discontinued in 1925. The design was ahead of its time, featuring a number of technical innovations, including the horizontally-opposed twin cylinder layout, overhead valve operation, a four-speed car-type gearbox, leaf springing front and rear, internal expanding brakes, and chain rear drive.

Although the motorcycle displays the Vehicle Registration Number AJ 4979, this registration is now assigned to a Land Rover, so the motorcycle will need to be re-registered.

Offered by our private vendor who is the nephew of Granville Bradshaw. He purchased the machine approximately 40 years ago from an enthusiast in Sheffield, and then stripped and powder-coated the frame; the cylinders were removed, and new piston rings fitted, together with new valves. The original seat was re-covered, and new cables fitted. The ABC was last run approximately 3 years ago, and will therefore require some re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use. Potential bidders should note that the old buff continuation VE60 log book (dating from 1942) accompanying the machine lists the frame and engine numbers as 1705 and 1708 respectively, whilst the actual numbers on the machine are 1605 and 1608. This would appear to be a misprint, but would need to be addressed if a new owner wishes to obtain a replacement Vehicle Registration Number.
Documentation comprises the aforementioned VE60 continuation log book.
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 Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 26 April, with the auction starting at 11:30am BST.

Additional information

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