Beschreibung:

Société Anonyme Minerva of Rue Karel Ooms Anvers, Belgium, had a short but distinguished flirtation with motorcycle manufacture, commencing in 1901 and ending in 1914. This ran parallel with motor car production at Anvers, although motor car manufacture was to continue after the end of hostilities, finally coming to an end in 1939 by which time Minerva was acknowledged as Belgium's 'Rolls-Royce'. As well as building complete motorcycles, Minerva were major suppliers of motorcycle engines to other manufacturers, the quality of engineering being to the highest order and their own machines were to advanced design throughout their production years. For the 1909 season the company offered two single cylinder models, the 2¾hp and 3½hp, and two twin-cylinder models, the 4½hp and 8hp. The 3½hp engine was powered by an air-cooled engine with bore and stroke of 82mm x 82mm, displacing 433cc, and featured mechanically operated valves. It had a 23 inch frame with girder front forks and triple head and a feature was the round type brass fuel and oil tank. Front braking was activated on the rim pulley, while a band brake operated on the rear hub. Additional braking was provided by back-pedalling. In solo form the 3½hp model weighed 148 lbs and the company claimed 80mpg fuel economy. The model retailed at £37. Minerva were remarkably successful in competition, notably in hill climb events. This fine combination with wicker sidecar was acquired for the Ward Brothers Collection twenty years ago from VMCC stalwart Joseph Arthur Whitmarsh of Avon Garage, Netheravon, Wiltshire, who had owned this machine since 1953. He in turn had acquired the Minerva from George Sheppard, cycle maker of Netheravon who is recorded as being the owner when the machine was re-registered under new legislation in 1922. Sheppard may well have been the very first owner of this Wiltshire-registered outfit. During Arthur Whitmarsh’s ownership the outfit was extensively rallied both at home and overseas as testified by the substantial number of rally plaques displayed on the wicker sidecar. The machine also carries RAC and AA badges and sports a Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Badge, the machine having taken part regularly during Whitmarsh’s ownership in the prestigious Pioneer Run. The bike is equipped with an acetylene headlamp, Binks carburettor and enjoys the benefit of a Sturmey-Archer three-speed gearbox. The tax disc displayed suggests last active use in 1986. Invoices on file record some restoration work carried out by J W Tennant-Eyles in 1984 and during the present ownership new headstock bearings have been fitted along with new valves. This exceptionally high quality outfit has that wonderful patina that comes from long and enthusiastic ownership and woe betide the restorer who steps within a 50 yard radius! The bike comes with old style buff log book recording ownership from 1922, old style V5 registration document, (note that the engine number on the machine differs from that in the registration documents), various photographs, correspondence from Mrs Whitmarsh, copy of a 1909 sales brochure and an original Minerva Spare Parts Price List for 1908/1909.