Description
This motorcycle is Lot 70 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 70
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. 1960 Francis-Barnett 250cc Cruiser 84
Registration no. unregistered (see text)
Frame no. V10388
Engine no. 842A 2947
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 was a new introduction for 1954 and initially 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. The 249cc AMC engine was adopted on the Cruiser 80 in 1956 and then three years later a new variant arrived in the form of the Cruiser 84, the latter featuring leg shields and a voluminous rear enclosure.
Repainted at some time, this Cruiser 84 is offered for restoration having spent many years in storage. The odometer reading is 2, 369 miles. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the machine's completeness or otherwise prior to bidding. It should be noted that while displaying the vehicle registration number 'PXK 631' the registration does not appear on the DVLA or HPI database. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
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.
