A fully restored example of the sought after 80+ mph performance 250cc
Fitted with the earlier, considerably better four speed gearbox
Presenting in an excellent and pristine condition with much obviously spent
The Appeal
In 1963 Royal Enfield introduced the Continental which featured a slightly tuned version of the earlier Crusader’s 250cc single engine. The Continental’s revised styling included a fly screen, the distinctive “jelly-mould” fuel tank, dropped handlebars and exposed rear shock springs. It was clearly aimed at the enthusiastic learner riders who could legally pilot a 250cc at this time. Most Continentals went on to be modified by their owners, with clip-ons and racing seats being popular additions.
Royal Enfield were watching and soon produced the Continental GT. A key design cue was long red 16-litre tank, which was made of fibreglass, then still legal for fuel tanks. Clips-ons, ball end control levers and alloy, fork-top panel holding a matching speedometer and rev-counter were other notable additions.
This Continental GT was fully and diligently restored in the hands of the previous owner. At some point, the troublesome five speed gearbox was replaced with the earlier, better four speed unit. The current owner owned and enjoyed a Continental GT in the 1980’s and wanted to relive the experience. This little firecracker is now ready to use and enjoy by its next owner
The History and Paperwork
This Continental GT is a 1965 motorcycle
DVLA records show that it was first registered in the UK in 1988
Prior to that it seems that it was resident in another licensing jurisdiction
Since being licensed in the UK the GT has had four owners
The first and second owners kept the motorcycle for a total of 32 years
The previous owner acquired the GT in 2020
It was during this ownership that the bike was thought to have been restored
The current owner carried out work which included an engine recommissioning and carburettor rebuild being carried out by a mechanic
The current owner bought the motorcycle in March 2023
It is now only being sold as the riding position doesn’t suit
There is some interesting paperwork included with the GT
This includes the current V5 registration document
This classifies the GT as a Historic Vehicle
As such it is VED and MOT exempt in the UK
Some earlier MOTs in hard copy are present
A Royal Enfield 250cc workshop manual is also on hand
A handful of invoices are also included
The highest value of these details a £450 recommissioning in 2023
The Interior
The humped dual saddle is finished in immaculate black vinyl and grey fabric
This is edged with grey piping and accommodates a pillion when required
Fold down, rubber clad foot pegs are provided for use by the pillion
The rider also benefits from folding foot pegs finished in rubber
The rear brake pedal is finished with a machined alloy grip
The clip-ons are steeply raked, and feature rubber finished grips
The control levers are ball-end chromed items
The low small Perspex fly screen affords a degree of wind and weather protection
A shaped alloy panel, known by some riders as “the skull” in fitted ahead of the rider
A pair of grey on white Smiths clocks are fitted to this panel
A Smiths ammeter is mounted into the chrome headlamp bowl
The Exterior
The Continental GT traded on being a very sporty looking 250 single
The long tank and big dummy cooling rims fitted to the front brake drum helped
The tank, mudguards and side panels are finished in bright red paintwork
The tubular frame is finished in gloss black
A big single headlamp, front fork gaiters and chromed rear spring were other sporting cues
The condition of paintwork and bodywork appear to be excellent
The cross spoked wheels feature polished alloy rims
The big, perforated dummy rims at the front suggest big discs or a much larger drum
A polished alloy centre stand rounds the whole look off very effectively
The Mechanics
The Continental GT is fitted with a 250cc single cylinder engine
A higher compression ratio and larger Amal carburettor helped deliver 21bhp at 7,500rpm
Although quite modest the GT weighed in at a mere 135kgs
This made 70mph a realistic cruising speed
Contemporary tests achieved as much as 85mph from a standard machine
The accompanying invoice details the recommissioning work done in early 2023
This includes the cleaning of all oilways and a carburettor service and rebuild
The clutch was also stripped and adjusted, and a new battery fitted
The petrol tank has been lined with a proprietary liner
A new petrol tap has also been fitted as a precaution
A BSA Goldstar silencer has been fitted as this was a popular period modification
The owner attests to the GT starting and running well
He does suggest that the engine is run in having covered less than 100 miles since a rebuild
He also thinks the carburettor may need resetting at the end of that running in period
Summary
The Royal Enfield Continental GT was a popular and desirable 250cc single in its day, mostly for its impressive performance, mini racer looks and handling. However, with just a mere 1,700 built Royal Enfield’s investors pulled the plug in 1967 preferring to sell the factory for redevelopment rather than build motorcycles. A bit like rock stars who die too young, this premature demise helps add to the allure of the Continental GT.
This motorcycle looks to be a fine example of the breed, too. It appears to be in a pristine condition throughout and represents a niche of the classic motorcycle market that is enjoying a healthy renaissance. For those that like their classic motorcycles of the light, diminutive and wieldy variety it is hard to imagine a better imminent ownership opportunity than this charming Royal Enfield.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Vehicle specification
Year1965
MakeRoyal Enfield
ModelContinental GT 250
ColourRed
Odometer82 Miles
Engine size250
Auction Details
Seller TypePrivate
Town
Ringwood
LocationHampshire
CountryUnited Kingdom
Bidding history
10
bids
from 6
bidders
Ni••••£4,70002/08/23
mi••••£4,65002/08/23
mi••••£4,50002/08/23
Ni••••£4,00002/08/23
be••••£3,75002/08/23
Ni••••£3,50002/08/23
be••••£3,25002/08/23
Ni••••£3,00030/07/23
ch••••£2,00028/07/23
Ri••••£1,00028/07/23
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1965 Royal Enfield Continental GT 250
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