The 1928 McEvoy-JAP 980cc (CH 7437) to be auctioned at the event was acquired by famous motorcycle road racer and grass track rider Alf Briggs. Isle of Man TT winner, the late Eric Houseley, worked for Alf Briggs and coveted the McEvoy JAP.
During Houseley’s ownership this machine was the feature of a five page article in Old Bike magazine – Issue 20, Winter 1996/97. Inspecting the bike, frame number 8128 was revealed, suggesting that this machine was number 8 manufactured in the first month of 1928.
The JAP engine’s KTOR/C prefix states that this is a 980cc, twin-cylinder, overhead valve, racing engine, the C confirming 1928 manufacture. The engine drives through a close ratio three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox.
According to Bonhams, the finely engineered frame features all-important bracing strips on either side of the front down tube, while steering is entrusted to a pair of heavyweight Webb forks, friction-damped to both sides of the lower front spindle. The motorcycle is expected to fetch between 120,000-150,000 pounds sterling.
Other highlights of the sale include a 1901 Panhard-Levassor 2.4-litre Forward Control Cab Phaeton, the only one of its kind still in existence, estimated at 200,000 - 250,000 pounds sterling; a 1896 Benz 5hp Victoria, estimated at 140,000-180,000 pounds sterling; a 1911 RMC Seabrook 20hp Roadster, expected to fetch between 25,000-35,000 pounds sterling, and a rare 1899 Phebus Forecar, estimated between 30,000-35,000 pounds sterling.
"This is one of the most interesting sales we have handled in years. It focuses towards the early period of motoring - the most modern car in the sale dates from 1926 - with many rare vehicles, and some the last of their kind surviving," said James Knight, International Managing Director of the Bonhams Motoring Department.
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