Beschreibung:

The marque Humber was first associated with motorcycles in Coventry as early as 1900, Humber initially using the ubiquitous French-built De Dion Bouton engines in their three-wheelers before moving to motorcycle production. Early models were built under licence from the Yorkshire company, Phelon & Moore, and included 1½hp and 2¾hp models. In 1911 Humber enjoyed its first major competition success when P J Evans carried off the victor’s laurels in the Junior TT on the Isle of Man. In those years which straddled The Great War, long distance reliability trials were highly popular in the UK and manufacturers were quick to recognise the importance of success in such events when marketing their machines. Humber were to enjoy such successes in the arduous English and Scottish Six Days Trials and these competition successes contributed significantly to the sales figures for standard production models. In 1914 the company offered four separate models including a 2¾hp V-twin TT model, a 2hp single, a 3½hp 499cc single which retailed at £52/10s, but top of the range was the 3½hp 499cc single with the luxury of water cooling and with three-speed Sturmey-Archer gear as standard, retailing at a quite expensive £63. The rarest of all Humber motorcycles, this water-cooled model was only offered for the 1914 season. It is known that this machine was first registered RI 2905 in Dublin and indeed is recorded in the 1915 Irish Motor Directory as belonging to Humber Ltd at 32 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin, that year. It was subsequently acquired by noted Welsh VMCC member, Johnny Thomas, before acquisition for the Ward Brothers Collection some years ago. It is offered with a Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club Pioneer Certificate No.1101, issued in 1986, confirming its 1914 dating. An MoT certificate dated 1989 suggests that this machine was used that year. This exceedingly rare machine has been carefully preserved in what can best be described as ‘oily rag’ condition, although the fuel tank has been repainted at some stage. The bike is complete with bulb horn, rear hub gear, a nickel AA Cycle badge and tool pannier. These Humbers were remarkably quick in their day, the water-cooling enhancing performance and reliability. This time-warp machine is of course highly eligible for participation in the prestigious Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Run to Brighton and so many other vintage events – but be ready for the crowds that it always attracts. It comes with a Swansea registration document and a copy of the Irish Motor Directory from 1915.