Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1951 Royal Enfield Works ISDT 500
Part of the Keith Mason collection
Estimate
£9, 000 - £13, 000
Registration No: KAB 547
Frame No: T1870
MOT: Exempt
Ex-works Jack Stocker 1951 ISDT Gold Medal-winner
Only known survivor of 4 works bikes built for the event
Supplied with a substantial paperwork file.
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Vincent Black Shadow, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901 by the Enfield Cycle Company of Redditch having previously manufactured bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. Under various ownership, the brand has continued through to the present day making it one of the longest-lasting names in the two-wheeled world. Initially just called Enfield, in 1911 they added Royal to the company name and in the early years of the last century were some of the most popular bikes available. This ex works 500 Bullet is one of four bikes built by the factory to compete in the 1951 ISDT, the only known survivor, and has been pictured in many publications over the years. Offered in full ISDT trim, it still has spare cables in place, ready to quickly replace a broken one, and many other clever little modifications for competition use. Royal Enfield's success in post-war trials owed much to it being first to feature swinging-arm suspension, but also to the talents of works rider Johnny Brittain, aided by the likes of Jack Stocker, Stan Holmes, Don Evans and younger brother Pat. 'KAB 547' was allotted to British team member Jack Stocker in the 1951 ISDT taking place in Varese, Italy, with the team winning the International Trophy without losing any marks. The Royal Enfield factory team also won the manufacturer's prize. Capitalising on this success, Stocker and his two team-mates were featured in Royal Enfield's post-ISDT advertising, sitting proudly on their mounts and 'KAB 547' was also displayed on Royal Enfield's stand at the 1951 Motorcycle Show. In the following year's ISDT in Austria, 'KAB 547' was ridden by Johnny Brittain as part of the British Vase B team, but unfortunately, he was sidelined on the fifth day with engine failure. A hand-written note in the paperwork file states that the factory then rebuilt the engine with new parts while retaining the original cylinder heads. Many years later, Bob Gardiner was able to buy 'KAB 547' from the famous sports photographer, writer and recognised off-road authority, Don Morley. Correspondence with Don may be found within the accompanying paperwork file, together with historical material relating to the bike accumulated by Bob Gardiner, which includes a list of all the many publications in which this historic machine has appeared (perusal recommended). It should be noted that the V5C Registration Certificate still lists the original engine number 1870, although the cases presumably fitted after the blow up in 1952 are stamped T2432. A rare opportunity to acquire a historically important bike, it will be supplied with its substantial paperwork file. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of Keith Mason's stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines, which have all been dry stored for several years and will require recommissioning before use.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
