Lot 317 - 1926 Henderson 1,301cc Four De Luxe For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 317 - 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 101 - 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 317
The Connoisseurs Collection
1926 Henderson 1, 301cc Four De Luxe
Registration no. YN 151 (see text)
Frame no.
Engine no. D14248A
• 'The finest motorcycle in the world'
• An older restoration
• Purchased for the collection in 1995
• Requires recommissioning following a period of inactivity

Founded by Tom and William Henderson in Detroit in 1912, Henderson built nothing but four-cylinder motorcycles in its 19-year existence. In 1917 the firm passed into the control of Chicago-based cycle maker Ignaz Schwinn, owner of Excelsior. Schwinn shifted production from Detroit to the Excelsior factory in Chicago and soon abandoned the Hendersons' original design, which was replaced by one drawn up by Henderson engineer Arthur O Lemon. Introduced for 1920, the all-new Excelsior-built Henderson Model K boasted a 1, 301cc sidevalve engine equipped with forced lubrication, a twin-downtube frame, strengthened front fork and enclosed rear chain. Modifications to the De Luxe (introduced for 1922) mainly concentrated on improvements to the gearbox. Top speed was a guaranteed 80mph and with the optional alloy pistons installed a De Luxe could touch 100mph, an astonishing performance for the time and one matched by few contemporary cars. Police forces across America snapped them up. Most importantly, its forced lubrication meant that the new Henderson could sustain these high speeds with a degree of reliability unattainable by its splash-lubricated predecessors. In competitions, standard Henderson Fours often had the beating of tuned v-twins, and numerous detail improvements were made throughout the 1920s to ensure that the Henderson remained 'the finest motorcycle in the world'.

But with the Depression biting, Ignaz Schwinn decided to quit while he was ahead, ending production of all Henderson and Excelsior motorcycles in 1931. Although it might be argued that production was ended prematurely, Henderson was at least spared the ignominy of going into decline, bowing out as 'the finest motorcycle in the world' with its reputation intact.

An older restoration, this magnificent Henderson Four was purchased for the collection in 1995 from the late Brian Verrall. The last logbook was issued on 22nd November 1993, and it should be noted that the HPI records 'D14248A' as the frame number (American motorcycles of this period would not have had frame numbers). Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. There is an export marker against the registration number; accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Key not required.

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.