1914 Rover 3½HP 500cc single
No Reserve

Registration No: SL 9992
Frame No: 39887
MOT: Exempt

• Part of a private British motorcycle collection since 1986
• Used for numerous Pioneer Runs (including the 75th)
• An older restoration which has mellowed nicely

Better known for its bicycles and motorcars, Rover produced motorcycles too on a somewhat sporadic basis between 1902 and 1924. Debuting at the 1910 Olympia Show, the Rover 3½hp was designed by John Greenwood (who would later become the mainstay of Sunbeam motorcycles). Powered by a 500cc single-cylinder engine (85mm x 88mm) equipped with a Brown & Barlow carburettor, Bosch magneto and spring-loaded tappets, the newcomer also featured an innovative inverted tooth drive chain and ‘Druid’ spring forks. An expensive machine at £55, the Rover drew widespread praise for its performance and build quality.

Treated to a high quality restoration prior to being re-registered with the DVLA as ‘SL 9992’ on January 9^th 1985, this delightful Rover was acquired by the late vendor for his extensive British motorcycle collection a year later. Predominantly kept on static display for the past four decades, the 3½hp has also participated in several Pioneer Runs (indeed, it still wears a roundel for the 75^th one). Benefiting from a Sturmey Archer three-speed hub, the Rover will require recommissioning prior to use. The motorcycle’s Pioneer certificate has been mislaid but its V5C Registration Certificate remains on file. Attractive, unusual and offered without reserve.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217