
LOT 101 *N
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III c.1973 Rockford Chibi C430 Deluxe Mini-Bike Registration no. not registered Frame no. 7 13580 (to applied plaque) Engine no. not visible
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III, c.1973 Rockford Chibi C430 Deluxe Mini-Bike
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c.1973 Rockford Chibi C430 Deluxe Mini-Bike
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 7 13580 (to applied plaque)
Engine no. not visible
c.1973 Rockford Chibi C430 Deluxe Mini-Bike
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 7 13580 (to applied plaque)
Engine no. not visible
If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.
"Out-accelerates, out-climbs, out-performs everything in its class. Reason? The Bridgestone 60cc two-stroke engine with 3-speed transmission." - Rockford Motors.
Rockford Motors of Rockford, Illinois was the American importer for the Japanese Bridgestone motorcycles that were among the best performers in their class, thanks in no small measure to Bridgestone's use of rotary disc-valve induction. In 1971, Bridgestone stopped selling motorcycles to concentrate on their tyre manufacturing business, leaving Rockford in the lurch. They decided to take over the manufacturing rights for Bridgestone's smallest offerings, specifically the 100cc Taka and two 60cc models: the Tora and the Chibi ('chibi' being Japanese slang for 'short person' or 'small child').
A competitor for Honda's Mini Trail or CT70, the Chibi was a mini-bike featuring fold-down handlebars; that offered here is the Deluxe version that came with lights, even though it was not road legal. The rotary-valve engine produced 5.8bhp, considerably more than most of the competition. According to Rockford: "Chibi's acceleration and climbing ability have to be experienced to be believed. The 5.8 hp engine and 3-speed transmission can get you places ordinary mini-bikes can't. The folding handlebars and fuel shut-off system make transporting a breeze too."
Unfortunately, nothing is known of the history of this rarely seen American mini-bike, which appears to have been restored (the engine turns over).
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 thus 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.
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, 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 (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT. |












