Description
This motorcycle is Lot 61 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 61
Offered from the estate of the late Dave Benson, former Life Vice President of the British Two-Stroke Club and its Villiers marque specialist
1959 Royal Enfield 700cc Super Meteor
Registration no. 753 XVG (see text)
Frame no. 6892
Engine no. SMTB5956A
Launched in 1948, Royal Enfield's twin followed orthodox lines, though the use of separate barrels and 'heads, and the oil tank's incorporation within the crankcase - a feature inherited from the firm's singles - was unusual. Just like BSA and Triumph, 'Enfield went on to enlarge its twin, eclipsing its rivals with the (nominally) 700cc Meteor for 1953, Britain's largest vertical twin at that time. The crankcase remained fundamentally unchanged but the bore/ stroke dimensions and engine top-end were those of the 350 Bullet, doubled up and restyled. In the autumn of 1955, extensive revisions to the engine and the adoption of a new frame (shared by the Bullet singles) ushered in the Super Meteor, which remained in production until August 1962.
The HPI database records this Super Meteor as previously registered overseas and first registered in the UK on 19th June 1963 (the frame and engine numbers correspond to a 1959 model). Stored for a considerable period of time, the machine will require recommissioning/ restoration and is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over but the covers for the primary drive, tool box, and battery box are missing). The odometer reading is 671 miles. Two keys present. There are no documents with this Lot and the successful purchaser is responsible for applying for a replacement V5C registration Certificate.
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.
