Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm
Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: Un-RegisteredFrame No: Not visibleMOT: Exempt
Rare and technically unusual vintage British motorcycle with distinctive leaf-sprung suspension
Long-term stored barn find requiring recommissioning before road use
Accompanied by correspondence from respected automotive historian Mike Worthington-Williams
Introduced during a fascinating period of experimentation within the British motorcycle industry, the Beardmore Precision remains one of the more unusual and technically interesting machines of the early vintage era. Following an arrangement between F. E. Baker Ltd and the Glasgow engineering giant William Beardmore & Company, motorcycles were produced under the Beardmore Precision name between 1921 and 1924. The marque quickly developed a reputation for innovation, with models incorporating a number of unconventional engineering features uncommon for the period.
Among the distinctive characteristics found on Beardmore Precision machines were leaf-sprung suspension front and rear, an external contracting front brake and a fuel tank integrated into the frame structure itself, all contributing to a remarkably advanced appearance for the early 1920s. Although the marque earned respect in contemporary trials competition, the financial difficulties that followed an unsuccessful 1924 Isle of Man TT campaign ultimately brought production to an end, leaving Beardmore Precision machines today as rare and highly intriguing survivors from a short-lived chapter of British motorcycling history.
Dating from 1923, this example was formerly part of the well-known Fred Evans collection before being acquired by the late vendor some years ago. Subsequently stored alongside other machines within the attic of a barn, the motorcycle has remained unused for an extended period and will now require recommissioning prior to any return to road use.
The machine presents as an appealing restoration or preservation opportunity for the vintage enthusiast and is accompanied by period correspondence with noted automotive historian Mike Worthington-Williams. Rarely encountered today, Beardmore Precision motorcycles continue to attract considerable interest thanks to their unusual engineering, limited production and distinctive period character.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
