Lot number: 206

Dayton Albatross 250cc Scooter 1958 - Like a sketch from Monty Pythons the voice on the phone said " I would like to put my Albatross in your Auction" Ok I said, thinking the obvious that April 1st had come early but no the vendors wife meant an incredibly rare British built scooter from the 50s a 1958 "Dayton Albatross". Now after 40 years or so of dealing with motorcycles and scooters this was a new one on us! This particular bike was registered to the supplying dealer 01.04.1958 (see April fools day!!) Then sold to a Gent from Chelmsford on the same day. He used it through to 1984 when he laid it up and never used it again. In the history are old MOTs these show mileage when tested in 84 as 37,774, it now has 38540 on the clock, so not many miles had passed after the MOT. Eventually it was sold to the vendors husband, also from Chelmsford in 2003, who was determined to get it back on the road and use it. Unfortunately nature struck and this never happened so another 14 years later and it is being offered here. The bike has actually survived miraculously well, it must have been stored correctly for the 33 years it was hidden away. It has that lovely patina all over, nothing nasty just un-molested and original 59 year old metal and paint! The non-standard seat cover is exactly that an elasticated over cover that has been on there for a very long time. We have lifted it and had a look, the original seat cover is there buy damaged on the sides where your legs would rub in use. The 250cc Villiers twin engine is not locked up and rotates easily with the kick start, but obviously will need to be looked at prior to trying to start it. The brakes operate and the bike wheels freely. When we lowered the side engine inspection panels there is evidence of grease on the inside of them, leading us to believe this was done to stop rust. Well it worked as it all looks good in there. The bike is one hundred percent complete and apart from the handle bar brake/clutch levers looks to be original. The original screen complete with vintage AA badge is with it but not fitted as are the original handbooks and even the original bill of sale and warranty certificates!! Plus old tax discs MOTs. This is probably a once in a lifetime chance to own one of these Scooters, especially one with this peerage and what a perfect candidate for either a restoration or keep as is and just get it back on the road. Remember "It is only original once". We will not be cleaning it just presenting it exactly as it was when we collected it.
Condition Report

SOLD FOR £1600