Description
This motorcycle is Lot 240 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 Saturday 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 240
1929 Royal Enfield 3½hp 488cc Model 505 Project
Registration no. RX 3680
Frame no. 3133
Engine no. 381H
Royal Enfield's origins can be traced back to a small light engineering firm - George Townsend & Company - founded in Redditch, Worcestershire, in mid-Victorian times. The firm moved into bicycle manufacture and by the turn of the Century had been reorganised as the Enfield Cycle Company, makers of the 'Royal Enfield'. By 1904 the firm was concentrating on car production, resuming motorcycle manufacture in 1910 with a v-twin Motosacoche-powered lightweight which was followed by the famous JAP v-twin-engined 7hp sidecar outfit for 1912. Enfield's first 350cc single appeared in 1924 in overhead-valve and side valve versions, both of which used engines supplied by J A Prestwich. The JAP engine gave way to one of Royal Enfield's own manufacture for 1925, and in 1927 the firm introduced its first 500cc (3½hp) model, which used the 1, 000cc v-twin's 85. 5x85mm bore/ stroke dimensions for an actual capacity of 488cc. A Model 505 overhead-valve sports version joined the sidevalve original for 1929 and saddle tanks were adopted for most models that same year.
Last used on the 19th Irish National Assembly, this wonderful 'barn find' Model 505 is offered in need of complete restoration (the engine does not turn). Sold strictly as viewed, the machine is offered with an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1971) and an old-style V5 (the registration 'RX 3680' is on the HPI database).
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.
