Description
This motorcycle is Lot 142 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 142
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c. 1966 Marusho 500cc Magnum Electra
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. F9-1003
Engine no. 2-1003
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.
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 by 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. The company finally ceased motorcycle production at some time around 1967 and was merged with Honda. It is believe that only 180 examples of the Marusho Magnum had been made when the factory closed. Most were sold in the USA.
Apparently original and unrestored, this example may well have been made for the US market given that it has an 'mph' speedometer (mileage total 9, 375). 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.
£1, 600 - 2, 000
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.
