Description
This motorcycle is Lot 202 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 202
The Ivan Kessell Collection
1919 Triumph 4hp Model H
Registration no. AF 2368
Frame no. 30763
Engine no. 68106
The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine but within a few years the Coventry firm was building its own power units. By the outbreak of WWI the marque's reputation for quality and reliability was well established, leading to substantial orders for 'Trusty Triumphs' for military use. Triumph's 3½hp model had first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908 and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 550cc 4hp model in 1914. Equipped with the three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, it was this revised 4hp - the Model H - that did such sterling service in WWI, some 30, 000 seeing action with British and Allied forces.
Ivan Kessell acquired this Cornish registered Triumph Model H in 1969 and in 1975 rode it on the Land's End to John O'Groats charity run. An older restoration, it has been on long-term museum display and will require recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Nevertheless, the Triumph presents well and represents a wonderful opportunity to improve on an older restoration. Accompanying paperwork consists of an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1969), copy old V5, and old/ current V5C documents.
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
