The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III c.1950 Fuji Rabbit S-52 Motor Scooter Registration no. not registered Frame no. 52-S-52 N 01529 Engine no. FPA-11N013218 This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs. If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable. Previously the Nakajima Aircraft Co, Fuji was established in 1945 to manufacture civilian vehicles and was responsible for Japan's first motor scooter, the Rabbit S-1, which made its debut in June 1946, some months ahead of the Italian Vespa. The Rabbit was based on the American Powell scooter, examples of which had been brought to Japan by American servicemen. 25 different Rabbit models were manufactured between 1946 and 1968, making it the then last as well as the first Japanese scooter. At the top of the range was the 200cc S601 with 'Superflow' torque converter transmission, an innovative feature for a scooter of the early 1960s. The torque converter was also available on the 123cc S-301, which in automatic guise became the S-301 BH. Out of total S-301 production of 137,449 units between 1961 and 1968, only 11,700 were the torque converter-equipped BH version. Although not well known outside of Japan, the Fuji Rabbit has earned itself a place in Japanese popular culture as a symbol of nostalgia. Fuji Rabbits have been featured in Japanese anime cartoon series such as FLCL and Paranoia Agent and are a favourite among collectors of scooters and motorcycles in Japan. Many Rabbit parts are now reproduced in the USA. An older restoration, the machine currently displays 17,781 kilometres on the odometer. The rear tyre has perished and requires replacement along with other various rubber components, including the bulb horn and handlebar grips which have perished with age. The engine turns over. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered without key Footnotes: BUYER'S PREMIUM The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter. All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation. REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles. To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio. To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes. Saleroom notices: The engine number is FE-11N013218. Lot to be sold without reserve. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. N This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Saleroom Notice:
The engine number is FE-11N013218.
























