Description
This motorcycle is Lot 208 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 208
The Ivan Kessell Collection
1925 Raleigh 799cc Model 12
Registration no. KH 241
Frame no. 1035
Engine no. V1047
After a brief and unsuccessful foray in the Edwardian period, Raleigh returned to motorcycle manufacturing immediately after WWI with a horizontally-opposed inline twin of advanced design. During the 1920s their range would expand to include machines of a wide variety of capacities and types, ranging from a 175cc unitary construction lightweight to a hefty 998cc v-twin. In 1924 the horizontal twin was replaced by a new 799cc v-twin, which was available as a solo (Model 12) or motorcycle combination (Models 13 and 14). Rated at 7hp for taxation purposes, the sidevalve engine was of Raleigh's own design and manufacture. The new v-twin featured all-chain drive via a Sturmey Archer three-speed gearbox, Brampton Biflex forks, dummy belt rim front brake, and a 7" drum brake at the rear. A compact design meant that the wheelbase ended up only 2" longer than that of the contemporary 350 single, making the twin a pleasant machine to ride in solo trim.
This example of a rare British v-twin 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. It is believed that Ivan Kessell acquired it in the late 1970s/ early 1980s. Offered with old/ current V5C documents. It should be noted that the V5Cs incorrectly record the engine capacity as 600cc.
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.
