The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III c.1950 Fuji Bam-Bee 49cc Model 41 & Sekine Bicycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. G 2 4912 Engine no. F9 746 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. The 'Bam-Bee' engine was commissioned by Bridestone, a one-time motorcycle manufacturer now more famous for its tyres. What is now the Bridgestone company first began trading in the mid-1920s as a manufacturer of rubber products, principally tyres. Recognising the need for cheap transportation in the aftermath of WW2, company founder Shojiro Ishibashi founded the Bridgestone Bicycle Manufacturing Company in 1945, changing the name to Bridgestone Cycle Company in 1949. In 1950 Bridgestone contracted the Fuji Precision Machinery Co to manufacture and supply small clip-on engines for attachment to Bridgestone bicycles. Initially these cyclemotor engine kits were sold separately, but in 1952 the first complete Bridgestone motorised bicycle was launched. Its 'Bam-Bee' engine was a 26cc two-stroke unit fitted alongside the rear wheel of the bicycle on the left-hand side, with fuel tank on the right and friction drive to the rear tyre. Engine capacity was later increased to 38.5cc for the model BS-31 and then to 49cc for the model BS-41. This Bam-Bee auxiliary bicycle engine was manufactured by the Fuji Precision Machinery Company in Japan and is attached to a Sekine gent's bicycle. Founded in Arakawa, Japan in 1912, Sekine built high-quality bicycles until relatively recently, only ceasing its operations in 2008. The machine is presented in restored condition and features a 'National' lighting set by the Sanyo Electrical Co. 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. Key not required 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. 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