Opis
This motorcycle is Lot 313 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 313
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
1961 NSU 247cc Supermax Project
Registration no. 9484 MP (see text)
Frame no. 1843143 (see text)
Engine no. 3236812 (see text)
The photocopy old-style V5 registration document on file, issued in the late John Surtees' name, suggests that he acquired the machine from Mr V Hucks of Weavering, Maidstone, in or around 1999, although its condition and level of completeness at that time are unknown. It should be noted that both the photocopy V5 and accompanying HPI report record the frame and engine numbers in reverse order (transposed). According to the HPI report, the NSU was first registered on 12th January 1961. The report also records the commencement of the current keeper's ownership as 7th August 1999 and notes one previous keeper. However, this information cannot be warranted.
This motorcycle is offered with a photocopy V5 and DVLA correspondence only. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the validity of the registration number and should note that responsibility for obtaining a replacement V5C from the DVLA, using form V62, will rest with the new owner.
The machine carries a July 1967 tax disc, which may indicate the last period during which it was used on the road. Also present on the rear mudguard is an original supplier's sticker for E S Longstaff Ltd of Edmonton/ Woodford. This NSU appears to have been acquired by John Surtees with a view to building a competition machine. The Lot is accompanied by a substantial quantity of associated spares and specialist tooling, including:
Incomplete engine no. 751213
Incomplete engine no. 792533
Cylinder heads and barrels
Clip-on handlebars
Shock absorbers
Clutch components
Connecting rods
Gearbox components
Pistons and various engine parts
Flywheel assembly
Specialist tools
An intriguing and potentially rewarding restoration project, this Supermax presents the new owner with the opportunity to return it to either road-going or racing specification, aided by the extensive spares package included. Enhancing its appeal still further is its previous ownership by the late John Surtees, the legendary British motorcycle racer and Formula 1 driver who remains the only individual in history to have won World Championships on both two and four wheels.
Following an extended period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require 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.
£400 - 800
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
