Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1965 Royal Enfield Continental GT
The fastest British 250 in its day.
Estimate
£1, 800 - £2, 200
Registration No: DEY 482C
Frame No: 70281
MOT: Exempt
Royal Enfields sporty 250 single
Alloy rims and replacement alloy petrol tank
Supplied with a manual and a current V5C
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901 by the Enfield Cycle Company of Redditch having previously manufactured bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. Under various ownership, the name has continued through to the present day making it one of the longest-lasting names in the two-wheeled world. The 250cc single-cylinder Crusader was a very popular bike in its day and doubtless sparked the interest of many a future motorcyclist. The Bright Red Continental GT sports version was launched in November 1964 in a blaze of publicity. The company organized a ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End to be completed in 24 hours, with various journalists riding the bike. As an extra test, former World Champion Geoff Duke completed a few laps of Oulton Park and John Cooper completed eight laps of the near-frozen Silverstone race track, the quickest at a very impressive 73mph average. Including stopping off at the race tracks, the whole trip took just 22 hours and 20 minutes.
This Continental GT has been part of an enthusiast small private collection for the past 5 years. An older restoration, it is presented in period trim with a small flyscreen, clip-on handlebars, alloy rims and cooling discs on the front drum. The original fiberglass fuel tank suffered with modern day fuel so it has been replaced with an alloy copy. A neat lightweight and easy to manage classic, it was ridden last summer by the vendor, not run since it will need the normal recommissioning checks before use. A bike that would have provided many future motorcyclists their first taste of 2 wheels in the 1960s, it comes supplied with a workshop manual and a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
