29th Mar, 2023 13:00
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
1920 Zenith Model C Gradua
Restored
Sold for £20,988
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: BF 7934
Frame No: 6397
Engine No: H53741
CC: 654
MOT: Exempt
- An older concours restoration
- Little use since completion
- Beautifully presented and holding up well
- Used until last year and stored since
Zenith Motorcycles was a British motorcycle and automobile manufacturer established in Finsbury Park, London in 1903, by W.G. Bowers. The manufacture of automobiles only lasted from 1905–1906. The first Zenith motorcycle was the 'BiCar' of 1903, based on Tooley's Bi-Car design, which was purchased by Zenith for its own production. Fred ('Freddie') W. Barnes was hired as chief engineer in 1905, and patented the "Gradua" variable-ratio belt drive transmission that year. The Gradua system simultaneously changed the diameter of the crankshaft belt-drive pulley to alter the drive ratio, while moving the rear wheel forward or back to maintain belt tension. The Gradua system was among the first attempts to provide multiple drive ratios for a motorcycle, at a time when very simple, direct belt-drive transmission was the industry norm.
An older concours restoration, this JAP engine Zenith has had little use since the completion of a restoration. Beautifully presented and holding up well since the restoration work, it was used until just last year and then placed into storage ever since.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217
Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 29th Mar, 2023
Established in 1993, H&H has sold some of the world's most significant motorcars and motorcycles over the past 30 years. Trusted by over 75,000 clients worldwide, we are the longest established auction house of our kind in Europe.
An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands on March 29th.
Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our website, by telephone and commission.
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 29th March 2023, from 9am
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