Mostyn makes $27K at auction

Mostyn motorcycles were built in Melbourne from 1909 to 1914, and the lot on offer at Shannons' auction came from the final year of production.

Interestingly, while these bikes carried the 'Mostyn' name, they weren't actually built by the Mostyn Cycle Works. Another Melbourne company, A.G. Healing, actually assembled the bikes for Mostyn, using locally-manufactured frames, wheels, suspension, saddles and other parts.

The Mostyn's 600cc single cylinder engine was a British-made 'Precision Big Four' powerplant. Transmission was a 3-speed Sturmey Archer manual with right-side foot clutch, left-hand shift and belt drive.

The Mostyn's outstanding condition was explained by the fact that it had been crated for much of its life, and since 1953, had been a display bike only, at various dealerships, as well as the Gippsland Vehicle Collection at Maffra.

Listed as being in running condition, Shannons put a guiding range on this rare motorcycle of $24,000 - $32,000. At the fall of the hammer, the Mostyn, which would have to be one of very few still in existence, sold for $27,000. This made it the top seller of the three motorcycles from the Melbourne auction.

A C1958 125cc M.V. Agusta sold, at No Reserve, for $7,500, while a Norton ES2 in race specification was passed in. For further details, go to www.shannons.com.au.