THE ULTIMATE BARN FIND?

On 25th April, auctioneers Bonham will be selling what could be the ultimate barn find in the shape of an 1895 Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle.

Based in Munich, Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was the first powered two-wheeler to enter mass production, and the first vehicle to which the name 'motorcycle' was ever applied. The bike was powered by a twin-cylinder, water-cooled, four stroke 1488cc engine and, despite only producing 2.5bhp, the bike was capable of speeds of up to 30mph.

 The H&W motorcycle was patented in 1894 and the design was also licenced to a firm in France as 'La Petrolette'. However, neither venture was a success, with both companies collapsing in 1897. Opinions vary as to how many machines were actually built, with figures varying from 800 to 2000, but the H&W is still a very rare bike.

Sales of Hildebrand & Wolfmüller's motorcycle faltered in a competitive market and production stopped in 1919. 

 The number of surviving examples are substantially less and the U.S. "barn find", last running in the '30s, is expected to fetch as much as $100,000 when it goes up for sale. Of course a further substantial investment will be needed, if the new owner decides to restore the machine to its original glory, say restoration experts.

The machine that will be offered for auction at the Classic Motorcycle Show in Stafford last ran in the early 1930s, and has remained in the seller's family ever since. It's in original and unrestored condition, and the estimated price is £40,000-60,000.