"Our experience since the pioneer days of motorcycles teaches us that the Twin-cylinder horizontal type is the most perfect form of motor cycle engine yet attained, and our productions, therefore, now include that model only" – so read Humber’s sales brochure for 1917 and they proudly announced that "the Allied Governments have used our machines since early in 1915". Rarest of all survivors of the range is the 6hp, three-speed, free engine model with bore and stroke of 78 x 78mm and 745cc capacity. The three-speed gearbox, with two neutrals was specifically designed for sidecar work. This model was not listed after the 1918 season. W. Sharp of Worksop placed his order for this machine with Geo. W. Wilkin & Co. of Sheffield in August 1918 and took delivery in September that year, taking 10% trade discount on the £89-5s-0d list price. W. Sharp was himself a cycle maker and dealer and the sidecar with this outfit bears his maker’s plate. He was to retain the outfit for 41 years, selling it in 1959 to its second owner from whom the Geeson family acquired it in 1966. This machine is superbly equipped with spring wheel to the sidecar, luggage carrier, petrol can holder, bulb horn, leather tool panniers and the solo sidecar has pleated red upholstery with tonneau cover. Unique features include the handle starting mechanism and the ‘sprag’–type parking brake to the sidecar. This machine won the award for the best combination at Stafford in 2000. This exceedingly rare, Coventry-built outfit was first registered in Nottinghamshire and comes with old style buff log book recording Mr Sharp’s ownership, period sales brochure, the original correspondence and order confirmation from Geo. W. Wilkin & Co. a Swansea V5 registration document and a Humber Register badge.
"Our experience since the pioneer days of motorcycles teaches us that the Twin-cylinder horizontal type is the most perfect form of motor cycle engine yet attained, and our productions, therefore, now include that model only" – so read Humber’s sales brochure for 1917 and they proudly announced that "the Allied Governments have used our machines since early in 1915". Rarest of all survivors of the range is the 6hp, three-speed, free engine model with bore and stroke of 78 x 78mm and 745cc capacity. The three-speed gearbox, with two neutrals was specifically designed for sidecar work. This model was not listed after the 1918 season. W. Sharp of Worksop placed his order for this machine with Geo. W. Wilkin & Co. of Sheffield in August 1918 and took delivery in September that year, taking 10% trade discount on the £89-5s-0d list price. W. Sharp was himself a cycle maker and dealer and the sidecar with this outfit bears his maker’s plate. He was to retain the outfit for 41 years, selling it in 1959 to its second owner from whom the Geeson family acquired it in 1966. This machine is superbly equipped with spring wheel to the sidecar, luggage carrier, petrol can holder, bulb horn, leather tool panniers and the solo sidecar has pleated red upholstery with tonneau cover. Unique features include the handle starting mechanism and the ‘sprag’–type parking brake to the sidecar. This machine won the award for the best combination at Stafford in 2000. This exceedingly rare, Coventry-built outfit was first registered in Nottinghamshire and comes with old style buff log book recording Mr Sharp’s ownership, period sales brochure, the original correspondence and order confirmation from Geo. W. Wilkin & Co. a Swansea V5 registration document and a Humber Register badge.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
