Description
This is Lot 470 in the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale on April 20 & 21, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
The Navigator was the first derivative of the all-new Jubilee 250 twin that had been introduced in 1958. Designer Bert Hopwood's original conception had called for integral cylinder barrels and 'heads, but convention won the day and separate components were used in production. Built in unit with the four-speed gearbox, this modern-looking engine was installed in a Francis-Barnett derived frame with fabricated 'down-tube'. Towards the end of 1960 the 350cc Navigator was announced. The motor was bored and stroked and the cylinder block became a one-piece casting. Otherwise changes were few, although the cycle parts were up-rated with the Roadholder front fork and 8" diameter brake. The Deluxe version came with then fashionable rear enclosure. Motor Cycling managed to get 89mph out of 'their' Navigator Deluxe, which even when subjected to journalistic abuse returned a respectable 56mpg. Production of the Navigator Deluxe ended in 1963, while the standard model lived on for a couple more years.
This unrestored Navigator Deluxe is finished in two-tone black/ grey. Notable features include 12-volt electrics, a Commando MkIII oil pump modification, and a set of panniers. Accompanying paperwork consists of an old-style buff logbook and a V5C Registration Certificate.
