Description
This motorcycle is Lot 333 - 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 333
1936 Royal Enfield 225cc Motor Carrier
Registration no. FV 7315
Frame no. 075 (as per V5C, see text)
Engine no. A4150
Extremely rare Royal Enfield commercial vehicle
Single family ownership since 1981
An older restoration, offered from dry storage
Requires recommissioning
In pre-war days motorcycle-based 'motor carriers' were popular with impecunious local tradesmen unable to afford a van. Introduced in 1935, Royal Enfield's offering in this particular market sector was powered by the 225cc two-stroke engine from the firm's Model A motorcycle. Coupled to a three-speed gearbox, the engine was carried in a sturdy pressed-steel chassis with a single unsprung wheel at the rear and a two-wheeled axle at the front, the latter pivoting on a central kingpin. Shrouded by the frontal cargo box, the engine was fan cooled by means of fins on the external flywheel. A variety of boxes was available to suit different applications; brakes were fitted to all three wheels and the Motor Carrier was claimed to have a top speed of 25mph. It is estimated that around 250 were made, with only a tiny handful known to survive today: one is owned by Hitchcock's Motorcycles (Royal Enfield dealers in Solihull) and another thought to be in Australia.
First registered in 1936, this example is believed to be the 75th built (see correspondence on file) while the original logbook records the first owner as one James Riding Ormerod of Knott End, near Fleetwood (Lancashire).
Offered from long-term family ownership, this Motor Carrier formerly belonged to the current vendor's late father, Charles Bishop, who purchased it in 1981 from Honor Oak Motorcycles 'in need of work' (receipt on file). An older restoration dating from the early 1980s, it is sign-written with the address of what (until 1987) was the father's shop at 141 Lordship Lane, London SE22.
The vendor advises us the Motor Carrier last ran circa four years ago, since then it has been dry stored. A new battery has been fitted; however, following a period of inactivity the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed. (It should be noted that it has not been possible to locate the frame number.)
Accompanying paperwork consists of old V5/ V5C Registration documents; original R. F. 60 logbook; aforementioned 1981 purchase receipt and correspondence; 1981 letter from the REOC Membership Secretary (Sue Bucknall); original 1936 certificate of insurance to first owner, framed and glazed; copy of a 1935 commercial vehicle advertising/ promotional poster, framed and glazed; expired MoT certificate (1982); copy of R. E. Motor Carrier instruction book and R. E. Motor Carrier parts list and other marque-related brochures.
Offered with two keys.
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.
