Lot 146 - c.1964 Cotton 250cc Telstar Racing Motorcycle For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 146 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.

Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.

Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).

Lot 146
The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection
c. 1964 Cotton 250cc Telstar Racing Motorcycle
Registration no.
Frame no. 57
Engine no. 2225H 834E 913
• Highly successful over-the-counter '250' racer
• Substantially original
• Villiers Starmaker engine

The Gloucester firm of Cotton became famous in pre-war days for fine handling sports bikes powered by JAP and Blackburne engines. Post-war production used Villiers two-stroke engines, and the company built trials, scrambles and racing machines as well as road models. Cotton's Telstar road-racer made its debut in 1963 fitted with the then-new Villiers Starmaker engine. Designed by Bernard Hooper, the Starmaker was a purpose-built competition engine and quite unlike anything Villiers had been producing hitherto. The new engine was first seen in moto-cross form in 1962, the road-race version appearing the following year in 'clubman's racers' from Cotton and DMW. Short circuit ace Derek Minter road the factory development Telstar for four seasons and the Cotton quickly became competitive at national level, 'The Mint' winning the 1964 British 250cc Championship on the works entry. Production ceased in 1968 when the supply of Villiers engines dried up, by which time around 60 examples are thought to have been made. In more recent times the Telstar was resurrected by Fluff Brown's AJS Motorcycles, which produced a number of updated examples fitted with telescopic front forks in place of the original Armstrong leading-link type.

Believed to have been repainted, this example is in age-related condition, with some paint chips, but is believed to retain its original saddle upholstery. The machine would benefit from detailing. Accompanying history consists of some 'as purchased' photographs only (suggesting the Cotton and the collection's Bultaco may have been purchased at a similar time). Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning will be required before further use.

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.