Highlights
- Wonderfully preserved
- Part of a larger collection
- High level of originality
The appeal
Produced by the Meriden factory, the Tiger Cub was based on the T15 Terrier 150cc. The Tiger Cub was designed by Edward turner and launched in November 1953 at the Earl’s Court Motor show. It competed well against other small capacity motorcycles of the time and after a legislation change to the driving licence law in 1961 restricting learner riders to a maximum of 250cc the Tiger Cub became the most popular was of getting onto two wheels.
The engine was a single cylinder OHV, four stroke with an alloy head and Amal Carburettor and a 4-speed transmission. It produced 10 bhp at 6000 RPM.
This bike was purchased by the current owner’s uncle as part of his larger collection of weird and wonderful and varied machinery. Unfortunately, after his passing the collection was passed down through the family but now with a change in life circumstances the bike is up for sale.
The history and paperwork
- V5 document in the current owner’s name
The bike is not thought to have had a lot of work done to it during it’s time in the collection aside from regular maintenance. Any work that did need doing would have been done by the previous owner and therefore the paperwork would not have been kept.
The condition of the bike however shows that it was well cared for during its time.
The condition of the bike however shows that it was well cared for during its time.
The Exterior
- Fantastic condition frame and panels
- Wheels in great condition
- All electrics reported to be working
- Seat fabric is in great condition also
- Paniers in good condition
The little Tiger Cub is a charming bike, there isn’t a whole lot to it with the skinny, minimal frame and the tiny 10bhp engine nestled inside. The overall condition of the bike as with the rest of the bikes in this collection is very very good, there is no damage that we could see on the day and the structure of the bike was sound.
The seat is in good condition with no rips, tears or damage and the leather has lasted well during the bikes 61 years since manufacture. The Tiger Cub also has a simple Smiths speedometer showing the mileage and optimistic 80mph as the dials limit. It also has a wonderful mechanical display showing what gear the bike is in by way of an exposed needle point to the correct gear number.
Whilst this bike isn’t showroom standard as you would understand it to be after 61 years of existence, it is in remarkably good fettle having clearly been loved and taken care of during its time in the collection.
The Mechanics
- 200cc OHV, single cylinder, air cooled engine
- Engine exterior in great condition
- No visible leaks or damage
The bike has sat for a few years in storage underneath a cover so will need some simple, light recommissioning to get running, a battery change, a fuel flush and a spark plug change is all that the owner believes should be needed. The exterior condition of the engine is fantastic as you can see from the photos, no fluid leaks or other worrying signs to see.
The mechanisms are reports to all work as they should with the kick starter and gear lever all moving without freely. The bike rolls freely and the stands kick down without issue, the tyres are getting a bit old and as you can see have started to split due to being dry and aged, it might be wise to change these before attempting a ride.
The exhaust looks to be in great condition too with no visible cracks or splits in any of the joins and the entirety being dent and damage free from what we could see on the day. The chain also looks to be in good condition as do the teeth.
Summary
This is a lovely little bike that has clearly been well cared for during its time, it presents in such fantastic condition considering its 61 years of age.
This would be a special bike once given a small amount of TLC to get going again, with some general maintenance items, we assume it would be ready to go as is. A true testament to the original collector.
Notice to bidders
This would be a special bike once given a small amount of TLC to get going again, with some general maintenance items, we assume it would be ready to go as is. A true testament to the original collector.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
