c. 1914 Rover 3 1/2 hp Project, 499 cc. Frame number S40230....

Hammer

£4,500

c. 1914 Rover 3 1/2 hp Project, 499 cc. Frame number S40230. Engine number erased.
The Rover safety bicycle had created a breakthrough in bicycle design at the end of the 19th century.
At the end of 1903 the company presented its first motorcycle, which was much ahead of its time: a well- designed side valve engine with mechanically operated valves, spray carburettor, strong frame with double front down tubes and excellent finish. It created a lot of interest and a thousand or so were sold in 1904. However, in 1905 a serious slump in motorcycle sales started because public confidence in the motorcycle had waned considerably due to the marketing of many inferior and badly engineered models. Rover didn't want to risk its good name and stopped motorcycle production entirely, to concentrate on the bicycle business.
In 1910 the motorcycle's future seemed rosy again and designer John Greenwood was commissioned to draw up a new engine, presenting it at the Olympia show at the end of 1910. Some 500 machines of the 1910/1911 type were sold and in the 1912 model hardly any changes were made, proving the initial design had been good. For 1913 the most notable new features were a new frame layout with dropped top tube and a separate cylindrical oil tank that was inserted in the petrol tank, it protruded on the offside of the machine and gave the typical bulge that became a hallmark for the Rover make.
For 1914 the front forks were fitted with horizontal top springs, the petrol tank got a slightly tapered shape to make more room for the rider's legs and the mudguards were extended to the sides, to name some notable new features.
It is unknown when Mike Hanson acquired this project and it is sold as seen, buyers should satisfy themselves as to what is included, there is no paperwork included. Buyers should also be aware that in the 3rd Edition of the VMCC Register of Machines this frame number is associated with a machine carrying the registration number FT 335 (now on a Land Rover), engine number 4373, and gearbox 1138.