Description
This motorcycle is Lot 34 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 Connoisseurs Collection, Part II
** c. 1955 Suzuki 50cc Mini-Free Moped**
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 134370
Engine no. **-7786K
** The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.
If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.**
Michio Suzuki's company started life as a manufacturer of looms for the silk-weaving industry, diversifying into the production of clip-on engines for bicycles in the early 1950s. Suzuki did not make its first complete motorcycle until 1954, although these early models were marketed under the 'Colleda' name. At the end of 1954 Suzuki abandoned the clip-on market, instead offering a complete machine, albeit one with a bicycle-type frame and front fork: the Mini-Free. Unlike its predecessors, the Mini-Free carried its single-cylinder two-stoke engine ahead of the pedalling gear below the down-tube, while drive to the rear wheel was by 'V' belt. The Mini-Free was a popular model and was produced for four years, disappearing in 1958. That same year Suzuki entered the ultra-lightweight market sector, taking on the Honda Super Cub with the Suzumoped, a purpose-built small motorcycle, powered by the Mini-Free engine, which had clearly been inspired by the NSU Quickly.
This Mini-Free moped appears to be in age-related condition (the engine turns over). Offered unregistered and without documents. 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.
Key not required
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.
