Historic motorbikes, engines, spare parts and cars to auction after Lichfield house clearance barn find

Sale date Monday 14th September

MOTORBIKES dating back to the 1940s are among a collection of historic vehicles discovered in a barn find during a Lichfield house clearance.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers said there is also a ‘smorgasbord of old British motorbike parts’ including engines, tanks, seats, frames, wheels, headlights and mudguards including brands such as BSA, Norton, AJS, AMS and Villiers.

A 1940s Scott Flying Squirrel motorcycle with a Scott twin-cylinder water-cooled engine is said to be ‘in true barn-find condition’.

Other complete bikes ideal for restoration are a 1950s Francis-Barnett Falcon with a Villiers 200cc single-cylinder engine, a 1940s BSA C11 with a BSA engine, and a late 1940s Douglas T35 Mk 3, pictured top of page, with a twin-cylinder boxer engine and two Amal carbs.

“The postwar Douglas boxer engine began life during WW2 as a fan-cooled generator unit built for the war effort,” said valuer Stuart Hay.

“When the war ended, Douglas engineers adapted it into a modern motorcycle engine and introduced the Douglas T35, which turned the engine 90 degrees to mount transversely across the frame.”

Other highlights include a rare Matchless engine believed to date from World War Two but stamped 1946, indicating it was likely produced during but sold after the war.

“This sale is a fantastic opportunity for collectors and restoration enthusiast,” added Mr Hay.

“There is a smorgasbord of old British motorbike parts alongside some intriguing complete motorcycles dating back some 80 years.”

“Everything is onsite here at Fradley and viewing is highly recommended.”

The multitude of motorcycles and bike parts are expected to fetch between £8,000 and £10,000.

There are also two very different cars from the barn find – a 1984 seafoam green Nissan (Datsun) Sunny, an early example of the model bearing both brand badges on the back, and a 1930s Morris Minor tourer ready for restoration.

Everything will go under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Monday, September 14, starting at 9am.

The sale also features other vehicles including a red 1977 MG B Roadster sports car with removable coupe top, recovered from another local house clearance, and guided £1,200 to £1,500.

The catalogue can be viewed online a week before the auction via our Auction Calendar.

Viewing in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF, takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday, September 11 or by pre-arranged appointment.

Bid live on sale day at The Lichfield Auction Centre, go online or get in touch for a pre-arranged telephone bid.

Don't forget, Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers a special Buyer’s Premium of 10% plus VAT on the hammer price of motor vehicles.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of vehicles, antiques, collectables or jewellery, or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.