Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, c.1904/1905 National 4hp Tricar Frame no....

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection c.1904/1905 National 4hp Tricar Registration no. not registered Frame no. 7441 Engine no. 723 •Built by one of Britain's most obscure motor manufacturers •MMC engine; two-speed transmission •An older restoration •Ultra-rare survivor In existence for barely two years - 1904 to circa 1905 – the National Motor Company of Manchester has to be one of Britain's most obscure motor manufacturers; indeed, its entry in The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile runs to only 70 words! According to the Encyclopedia, National's sole product, a wheel-steered tricar, was designed by two members of the Manchester Motor Club. It was powered by a 4hp single-cylinder water-cooled engine supplied by MMC, which drove via a two-speed transmission with direct-drive top gear. Seating was tandem in arrangement, with the driver at the rear and positioned higher than his passenger. The front seat could be removed, and a tradesman's van body fitted in its place, and the machine could also be used as a solo. How many of these National tricars were built and how many survive is not known, though it must be very few in either case. A truly wonderful example of Edwardian-era automotive engineering, this magnificent machine is a nicely patinated older restoration, boasting beautiful brass and copper details wherever one looks. Noteworthy features include a 'serpent' bulb horn; Zenith carburettor; 'Rotherham Coventry' fuel tank cap; and Imperial Carriage lighting. There are no documents with this Lot. We would advise the new owner to submit a full dating application to the SMCC and VCC Dating Committees so that the vehicle can be fully researched. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com