1959 Royal Enfield Meteor
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Highlights
- Completely unrestored
- Travelled around the world
- Genuine factory Airflow kit
- Runs very well
The Appeal
Following the modern style of the Crusader 250, the Meteor Minor was launched in 1958 to replace Royal Enfield's 500 Twin. The new design incorporated the most up-to-date features, giving a sleek-looking machine with tremendous performance, excellent handling, and stability. The frame and forks are of the type first used on the Crusader and, in conjunction with the 17” diameter wheels, give a low seating position, aiding the stability of the machine.
This Meteor Minor is also fitted with the rare factory Airflow kit, designed and tested by Bristol Aircraft Limited.
Some claimed the Airflow kit would produce a 20% fall in fuel consumption, and others said it would be an advantage in bad weather. However, the wind tunnel test results were also dreadful, showing that it didn’t really work.
Either way, it's still a rare sight, and to find one in an unrestored state makes it a desirable machine to own.
The History and Paperwork
There is quite a story with this Royal Enfield. The bike was purchased by an engineer who worked on a cruise ship. He would take the bike with him and then ride it wherever the ship docked, which was worldwide, as you can see from the collection of stickers he acquired on his travels.
When the vendor purchased it, he replaced the fluids and put on a new set of tyres, and two weeks later, he was touring around France on the 1950s classic.
- Owned since 2010
- V5 is present and shows 0 previous keepers, but it has had one keeper
- Royal Enfield Owners Club machine inspection report states it is a totally original motorcycle
- Dispatch date 24th March 1959
- Royal Enfield parts books dated 1954 and 1961
- Original Royal Enfield instruction book
- Some previous MOT certificates included
- Wiring diagrams
The Condition
- Rare original factory-fitted Airflow kit
- Natural patina to the chrome and paintwork
- The front mudguard was repainted several years ago and is a slightly different shade
- The headlight and fairing are in good condition
- Stickers on the screen show where the Royal Enfield has travelled
- The handlebars have some surface tarnishing in keeping with the age of the bike
- The grips are original, so they are quite perished
- Smith's instrument shows a reading of 12,894 miles
- All of the switchgear is reported to work correctly
- The petrol tank has no dings or dents, but the paint is the original
- The twin-seat is in good condition with no damage
- Side panniers on either side both have locks that work
- Factory Airflow is sign written on the rear mudguard, showing it was a factory fit option
- The rear light has no splits in the lens
- Original number plate
- 17” chrome wheels do have some tarnishing to the chrome
- New Bridgestone tyres were fitted and have a good amount of tread remaining
The Mechanics
- 500cc engine
- Starts and runs with no issues reported
- New fuel lines were fitted when the bike was purchased
- The carburettor was cleaned out
- A complete fluid service was carried out before the bike was ridden again
- A new battery and rectifier were installed
- The bike is said to be a joy to ride, especially with the Airflow fairing
- No issues have been reported by the vendor with the handling or the stopping of the Meteor Minor Deluxe
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1960
- Make Royal Enfield
- Model Meteor 350
- Colour Red
- Odometer 12,894 Miles
- Engine size 500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Denbighshire
- Location Wales
- Country United Kingdom
6
bids
from 3
bidders
- anderso•••• £2,100 14/05/24
- edward.•••• £2,000 14/05/24
- Ian mil•••• £1,800 14/05/24
- edward.•••• £1,700 14/05/24
- Ian mil•••• £1,500 11/05/24
- anderso•••• £800 09/05/24
The Gallery
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| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
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| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
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