Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 27th October from 1pm
Auction: Wed 28th October from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: BF 8157
Frame No: 20/ 11655/ 7
MOT: Exempt
Restored circa 2014 and registered in 2017
One of an estimated 600 7Bs produced in 1930
Understood to have never been shown or rallied
New Imperial was founded by Norman Downes in Birmingham in 1887 and became New Imperial Motors Ltd in 1912, when serious production commenced. Its innovative motorcycles, which employed unit construction and sprung heel frames long before they became commonplace, were moderately successful in competition. The 1920s was financially successful, the innovations helping fight a general decline in sales. However, New Imperial suffered from the Depression of the 1930s, and Norman Downes died in 1938. The marque was sold before production ended in late 1939, its former facilities subsequently converted to meet wartime needs. The 7B was a 500cc, OHV, twin-port model of which an estimated 600 were made in 1930.
This beautiful 1930 New Imperial 7B was purchased by the present owner as a project and comprehensively restored to its former glory. We are told the work was completed in 2014, and the bike was registered in 2017, when our vendor purchased it and immediately put it on static display in his collection. We understand it has never been shown or rallied, so it would really draw a crowd at the Banbury or Graham Walker Runs. Supplied with a history file including registration correspondence, a New Imperial Owners’ Association letter, some reprinted manuals and the V5C, it represents a fine recommissioning opportunity.
** 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)
