Registration No: SV 6719
Frame No: A22833
Engine No: BZ9195
CC: 172
MOT: Exempt

• The property of a deceased estate
• Declared manufactured in 1929
• Used by the late owner for VMCC events

Founded by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, Francis-Barnett began production in the old Excelsior works in Coventry in 1919. The downturn in the motorcycle market in the early 1920s prompted a switch from producing expensive, high quality machines to simpler models. Debuting in 1923, the first of these was the triangulated, pin-jointed, straight-tube frame models whose novel method of construction gave rise to the ‘Built Like A Bridge’ advertising slogan.

Purchased by the late owner in May 2004, this machine was declared manufactured in 1929 but given an age-related registration number in 1997. It is presumed the original documents had gone missing. It was used sparingly in his ownership, mostly on the VMCC Banbury Run in which it successfully completed on numerous occasions. Powered by a twin-port Villiers engine of 172cc, it had been acquired from the previous owner after he had in-turn purchased it as a basket case from Beaulieu Autojumble and spent some three years restoring it. A subsequent rolling road power test (copy on file) showed a maximum output of 4.75hp with a maximum speed of 53mph. The history file contains a volume of correspondence and assorted articles and information.

For more information, please contact:
John Markey
john.markey@handh.co.uk
01428 607899