Description
27th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1924 Francis Barnett Model 3
Great looking example with charming features
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Registration: SV 8903
Frame: 14241
Odometer: N/ A
MOT: Exempt
UK registered
148cc JAP side-valve
V5
Part of a private collection
Kicks over and runs
Francis & Barnett Limited was an English motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1919 by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett and based in Lower Ford Street, Coventry, England. Early motorcycles were affectionately known as 'Franny B'. Motorcycles were produced for enthusiasts and were reasonably affordable for citizens for use as general transport. The majority of the lighter motorcycles used Villiers and later two-stroke engines, and later Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) engines. During the 1930s the 250cc Cruiser model was developed with a faired engine that protected those riding from any oil or dirt - one of the first of its kind to do so. AMC took over Francis & Barnett Limited in 1947 combining this with the James motorcycle models in 1957. The combined company remained in business until 1966.
The Lea Francis cycle and motorcycle business had been formed by Graham Francis and R. H. Lea (the son of Graham Francis who manufactured motorcycles under the name 'Lea Francis') in 1895, who went into partnership with Arthur Barnett to create Francis & Barnett Limited. Gordon married a lady whose father was Arthur Barnett and already producing Invicta motorcycles. Both Francis and Barnett both related by marriage started in the same company's workshop as that of Bayliss Thomas and Company Limited in Lower Ford Street, Coventry, established in 1874, who produced the Excelsior model. They were reformed as the Excelsior Motor Cycle Company in 1909.
This example has been brought to us as part of a collection. The owner has informed us that it starts and runs. A V5 is present and the bike is ready to have a ride or just sit and admire.
