1951 Francis Barnett Powerbike, 98 cc. Registration number V...

Hammer

£900

1951 Francis Barnett Powerbike, 98 cc. Registration number VXS 927 (non transferrable). Frame number RN 16993. Engine number 189A/19693.
Sold with the V5C, R.F.60, receipts for the restoration.
Francis and Barnett Ltd of Lower Ford Street, Coventry were formed in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett. They were motor cycle manufacturers who, for the 1939 season, produced an autocycle called the "J50 Powerbike". The Francis-Barnett Powerbike followed the usual pattern, the first model having the Villiers Junior engine. Just after the K50 was announced for the 1940 season, the engine was changed to the new Junior de Luxe. A feature of the Powerbike was a rear hub brake was actuated by back pedalling. This had a trip action that allowed it to be disconnected when wheeling the machine but automatically re-engaged it when the machine was ridden.
When the war ended the Powerbike was quickly re-introduced but it now had a girder fork that used rubber bands to provide the springing. In June 1947 Francis Barnett was amalgamated with AMC.
VXS was originally registered as LAC 509 to James Fennell, then Harold Knight in 1967 and then Kenneth Richardson. In 2016 the number was taken off and Ian de Courcy bought it for £1000. He had it professionally restored by Sam Wesley, the invoice for painting was £793. Sold by this auction house in 2020 to our vendor, they have used it on motorhome trips. A new carburettor has been fitted (the old one is included).