Description
This motorcycle is Lot 68 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 68
Offered from the estate of the late Dave Benson, former Life Vice President of the British Two-Stroke Club and its Villiers marque specialist
c. 1954 Francis-Barnett 225cc Cruiser 68
Registration no. unregistered
Frame no. UB10005
Engine no. 842A 12853
Post-WW2, Francis-Barnett concentrated on the production of lightweight two-strokes powered by Villiers engines at first, though from 1957 AMC's own engines were fitted to many models and by 1961 the home-grown product - although now manufactured by Villiers - was used exclusively. Reviving a pre-war model name, the Cruiser 68 was a new introduction for 1954 and used the Villiers 1H 225cc engine, which was housed in a new frame boasting a fabricated front 'down-tube', telescopic forks and swinging-arm rear suspension. An 18" front wheel in place of the preceding 19" was the main update on the Cruiser 75 for 1956, by which time full-width hubs had been adopted also.
Clearly repainted at some point, this Cruiser 68 has been stored for several years and is offered for restoration (the engine turns over). Sold strictly as viewed, the machine appears complete apart from the missing points cover. The odometer reading is 3, 058 miles. The machine comes with photocopied marque-related literature, one key, and some photographs of it in use. It should be noted that the VIN number is not recorded in the DVLA/ HPI databases.
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.
