Description
This motorcycle is Lot 229 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details. Auction Timings: Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026. Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026. Public Viewing: Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show). The David Plant Collection ** 1926 HRD 499cc Model 90** Registration no. MN 4448 (Isle of Man) Frame no. 551J 7D (see text) Engine no. KOR/ A 39355* Having enjoyed considerable competition success while employed by AJS, finishing 2nd in the 1921 Isle of Man TT Junior race and 1st in the Senior (using the '350' engine), Howard Raymond Davies set up as a motorcycle manufacturer in his own right in 1924. Success came almost immediately, with a repeat of his 1921 TT results in 1925: 2nd in the Junior and 1st in the Senior. Although a fine rider, Davies was less accomplished as a businessman, and HRD Motors Ltd was declared bankrupt in March 1928. Philip Vincent would go on to pick up the pieces. This Vintage-era HRD was raced in the 1960/ 70s by the well known motorcycle journalist and privateer racer Phil Heath. A copy of Titch Allen's Vintage road test of the machine is included in the file. The article reveals that Heath had originally assembled the motorcycle from a collection of parts, faithfully copying illustrations of Howard R Davies' TT-winning machine. The original engine was worn, but Heath later acquired a new JAP engine of the correct type, although the standard two-port cylinder head had to be replaced with the correct single-port version. Heath initially used the machine for Vintage rallies and the MCC Land's End Trial, before entering it for demonstration purposes at a Vincent HRD Owners' Club meeting at Cadwell Park, where it performed well and handled impressively. Encouraged by its performance, Heath began entering it in Vintage club races, including at Mallory Park, where it reportedly led a strong field until near the finish when a spark plug failed. A speed trap recorded a speed of 78mph, and the HRD subsequently achieved a number of placings in Vintage events. The history file contains an invoice from Cameron Engineering & Motorsport Ltd dated July 2008 for a full engine rebuild, since when the engine has - reportedly - not been run. Work carried out included machining to remove the old valve seat inserts and refitting new hardened inserts; fitting a new crank pin and ***-rod sleeve; boring the barrel to 86. 5mm and fitting a new forged piston with a new little-end bush. The cylinder head components - including valves, guides, springs, clips and collets - were replaced, together with the cam followers, pushers and adjusters. The breather system was modified to provide extra lubrication while running in. Much of the older paintwork now has a lovely patina, though the rubber components have started to disintegrate in places. The machine was last taxed in the Isle of Man until August 2016. Also on file is an MoT certificate dated March 2000. The accompanying Isle of Man registration document matches the frame number '551'. A photocopy of an old-style V5C is on file in the vendor's name, listing the previous keeper as Frank Philip Heath (registration mark 'TX 825'). That document lists frame number '537' and engine number 'KOR/ T58267', with a date of first registration of 28th April 1926. It records one former keeper since June 1980, with the last change of keeper dated 1st May 1995 (presumably when the vendor acquired the machine). It should be noted that there is a discrepancy between the frame number listed on the V5C ('537') and the number stamped on the machine; Bonhams has been unable to locate '537' stamped on the frame. The file also contains various photocopied literature and invoices relating to the machine together with a photocopied advertisement from The Motor Cycle, 7th April 1927, listing the Super 90 model priced at 98 guineas. It is estimated that only a tiny handful of these machines survives. The engine turns over. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. If purchased by a UK resident, the Isle of Man Registration Certificate must be submitted to the DVLA with a V55/ 5 application to obtain a UK Registration Certificate. Motorcycles over 40 years old may be registered without an MOT upon submission of form V112 (Vehicle of Historic Interest declaration). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and completeness of the...
