1915 Connaught 293cc
Registration no. BF 8691
Frame no. 121
Engine no. 121
"Producer of excellent 293cc and 347cc two-stroke singles with belt and chain drive to the rear wheel. The range of models became larger when Connaught introduced 1925 models with 348cc sv and ohv Blackburne and ohv Bradshaw (oil-cooled) engines. Bert Perrigo, who afterwards went to BSA, and Jack Sprosen were among leading Connaught riders." – Tragatsch. First seen in 1912, Connaught motorcycles were built by the Bordesley Engineering Company of Birmingham, whose first offering was a 293cc two-stroke single. Like the four-strokes of the time, early two-stroke engines relied on hand-pumped lubrication, with oil being delivered from a separate compartment within the fuel tank. Connaught though, was among the first to use 'petroil' lubrication, whereby oil is mixed with the petrol, which would become the accepted method and remain so for several decades. However, a hand pump was retained, presumably to allay fears about possible unreliability. Connaught motorcycles were last produced in 1926. This particular Connaught lightweight has the two-speed Sturmey-Archer hub gear and is equipped with a BTH magneto, a Senspray carburettor and a new drive belt. An older restoration, last run 12 months ago, '121' will require re-commissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with an HPI printout and a V5C Registration Certificate. The vendor is slimming down his collection of motorcycles, hence the sale.
Saleroom notices
- Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 386: click here
Please note DVLA records confirm this machine was exported from the UK. Accordingly, the successful purchaser will need to re-apply to the DVLA for the Vehicle Registration Number, despite being offered with a V5C registration document. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding. Bonhams will undertake a NOVA declaration on the purchasers behalf providing them with a NOVA reference number.