1937 Francis Barnett Plover 41

Lot details
Registration No: 528 YUB
Frame No: GC33986
Engine No: GYF2612
cc: 148
MOT Expiry Date: None

During 1923 Francis Barnett introduced the first machine to utilise their famous triangulated frame featuring 'bolted-up' construction, consisting of eight tubes identified by a letter code. This method of frame construction was retained by the company until well into the 1930s. However, for 1935 new frames were introduced across the range. The 148cc and 249cc machines (except the Cruiser) adopted a frame that was built using castings and pressings. The headstock was a malleable casting to which was bolted a single channel pressing forming the top tube and two pressings forming the front 'downtube' connecting to two further pressings that formed the lower frame rail. A single saddle post and bolted-on tubular rear fork stays completed the assembly. In all other respects the Plover followed contemporary lightweight practice with power being provided by a 148cc Villiers engine allied to a three-speed gearbox. Two versions were offered, the 40 with a flywheel magneto and direct lights and the 41 which employed a dynamo. The new models continued in production in largely unaltered form for the next four years.
This example of the dynamo-equipped Model 41 was first registered on the 8th April 1937 and has been in the vendor's ownership since 1977. It saw a considerable amount of use until 1998 when it was restored but has seen little exercise since due to the vendor's advancing years. The vendor describes the engine and cosmetics as being in very good condition with the transmission and cycle parts being in excellent condition. It is offered with a Swansea V5C and will be on SORN at the time of sale.