Description
This motorcycle is Lot 127 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 127
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c. 1953 Fuji Rabbit S-53 Motor Scooter
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. not visible
Engine no. H-26 NO 7498
This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.
If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.
Previously the Nakajima Aircraft Co, Fuji was established in 1945 to manufacture civilian vehicles and was responsible for Japan's first motor scooter, the Rabbit S-1, which made its debut in June 1946, some months ahead of the Italian Vespa. The Rabbit was based on the American Powell scooter, examples of which had been brought to Japan by American servicemen. 25 different Rabbit models were manufactured between 1946 and 1968, making it the then last as well as the first Japanese scooter. At the top of the range was the 200cc S601 with 'Superflow' torque converter transmission, an innovative feature for a scooter of the early 1960s. Although not well known outside of Japan, the Fuji Rabbit has earned itself a place in Japanese popular culture as a symbol of nostalgia. Fuji Rabbits have been featured in Japanese anime cartoon series such as FLCL and Paranoia Agent and are a favourite among collectors of scooters and motorcycles in Japan. Many Rabbit parts are now reproduced in the USA.
This particular Rabbit displays a total of 52 kilometres on the odometer and may well be an older restoration (the engine turns over). It should be noted that a frame number was not located (our vendor refers to 'S53-467').
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.
£800 - 1, 200
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.
