Description
This motorcycle is Lot 48 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. 1966 Marusho Magnum 500 R-92**
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. F9-0712
Engine no. 2-0720
** 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.**
The Marusho Motorcycle Industrial Co Ltd was founded in 1951 in Hamamatsu, Japan and sold it products under the 'Lilac' name. In 1961, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy and the factory closed. Biding its time while acting as a sub-contractor to Honda, Marusho re-emerged as a motorcycle manufacturer in 1964 having been reorganised as the Lilac Co Ltd the previous year. Clearly influenced by the contemporary BMW, the revitalised company's first new product was a 500cc horizontally opposed twin, marketed as both the 'Marusho ST' and 'Marusho Magnum'. Despite a worthy product, Lilac's production decreased year by year and the factory finally ceased motorcycle production at some time around 1967. It is believed that only 180 examples of the Marusho Magnum had been made when the factory closed.
This example of an ultra-rare Japanese motorcycle rarely seen in Europe appears to be an older restoration, currently displaying a total of only 42 miles on the odometer (presumably since restoration). Offered unregistered and without documents, 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.
Offered without key
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.
