Lot details Registration No: SV 9839 Chassis No: 1449 Mot Expiry: April 2006
The first expression of John Starley’s design genius was his conviction that the rear wheel of a bicycle should be driven. This led to his production of the Rover Safety Bicycle, a design subsequently copied and improved, but still forming the basis of cycle design today.
In 1903, the Rover Company appointed ex-Daimler Engineer, Edmund Lewis, who in 1904 introduced his radical ‘backbone’ design based upon a fitch plate frame supporting a large aluminium casting incorporating engine, crankcase, clutch and gearbox. With light, stylish and practical bodywork, the car was a market success, being popularised as the “One Hundred Guinea Car”.
Dated by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain as having been manufactured in 1907 with VCC Certificate number 2436, the example being auctioned here has a very rare Colonial body, which is claimed to be original, there being original factory numbers stamped into the wood to authenticate this. Weather protection for driver and passenger is provided by hood and windscreen, which were both extras at the time.
Coming from a small collection of early vehicles and although little used, this very pretty Rover 6hp has recently been repainted in Rover Green with black leather interior. The 780cc single-cylinder engine is reportedly in good order as is the three-speed manual gearbox. It is, of course, eligible for a large number of VCC events here in the UK as well as other events catering for such early motor cars on the Continent. There is a large history file too.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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