DMW was established by Leslie Dawson just before the war, and soon after it began production of motorcycles, initially with competition machines, before turning to manufacturing road bikes utilising Villiers two-stroke engines of varying sizes. Capacities ranged from 98 to 324cc and included off-road competition and road racing variants. The Hornet model name was first used by the company in 1954 for a 125cc four-stroke racer which was very short-lived. It reappeared in 1964 when DMW utilised the Villiers Starmaker competition engine in another racing bike. It was fitted with Metal Profiles forks (manufactured by DMW) and became a popular mount for club racers of the period. Indeed, Bill Smith rode one with some success in the mid-sixties, notably winning the Southern 100 in 1964. When purchased in 1997, the preceding owner suggested that the frame number (2H00) may have indicated that the bike was a pre-production or prototype. It is certainly different to others of the period, having a six-speed gearbox, whereas later Hornets were equipped with a five-speed unit. The standard front brake is double-sided, and a later Amal Mk II Concentric carb is fitted. When purchased, the bike was in running order, but has been standing for the past 12 years, and will therefore require re-commissioning and safety checks before returning to the track. A racing fairing accompanies the bike, and whilst the vendor has lost his CRMC registration document, he believes the Hornet should not present a problem for a new owner to re-register.

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Winter Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

SALE TIMES

Friday 11 December
Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 112) 9am
The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection (Lots 201 – 252) 11am


Saturday 12 December
Motorcycles (Day 2) (Lots 501 – 708) 10am



VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.


Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles by clicking 'Message the seller' with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.


VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 9 December 9am to 5pm
Thursday 10 December 9am to 5pm
Friday 11 December 9am to 5pm (Lots 501 – 708 only)


LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION

Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register using the 'Message the seller' button.


COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS

Motorcycle lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 2pm Sunday 13 December 2020. Limited collection is available until 2pm Monday 14 December, by appointment only. If collecting Monday, please access Bicester Heritage via the 'Main Gate', Buckingham Road, OX26 5HA. Please email us using the 'Message the seller' button with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being uplifted to store at your expense, as detailed in the Conditions of Sale. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.


AUCTION ADDRESS

Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA