LOT 379

c.1935 BMW 342cc R35 Registration no. not registered Frame no. 303581 Engine no. 303581

Sold for £4,025 inc. premium

Lot 379

c.1935 BMW 342cc R35

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1935 BMW 342cc R35
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 303581
Engine no. 303581

Undeterred by the relative failure of its first single-cylinder model, the 247cc R39 of 1925/26, BMW returned to the 'utility' market in 1931 with the 198cc R2, which sold well despite the difficult economic climate. The latter's overhead-valve engine provided the pattern for the larger versions that followed, commencing in 1931 with the 398cc R4, a favourite with the German Army. R3 (305cc) and R35 (342cc) singles appeared later in the 1930s, all enjoying the benefits of shaft drive like their larger siblings. Manufactured between 1937 and 1940 the R35 retained the rigid, pressed-steel frame of its R4 predecessor but added an un-damped telescopic front fork to the package.

This BMW R35 was was found in a barn on the private vendor's land some years ago and brought back to life. Any parts needed were obtained from a variety of sources and fitted over time. The engine is free and the machine's overall condition appears good. No previous history is known and recommissioning will be required before the machine returns to the road. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, engine capacity, mileage, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Bonhams Motorcycles - The Autumn Stafford Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Saleroom notices

Please note there is an additional frame number stamped to the machine of: 206380. Offered with headlamp key.

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 Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation 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.
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