Description
Chater-Lea 1902 211 cc Minerva AIV frame + engine # 1816
Founded in 1890 , Chater-Lea turned to the manufacture of lugs and fittings for cycle and motorcycle frames around 1900.
Incorporated that same year as the Chater -Lea Manufacturing Company Limited, the firm was soon supplying its high-quality products to the greater part of the emerging British motorcycle industry.
The manufacture of components soon led to the supply of entire frames and, in 1903, the firm offered its first complete motorcycle.
However, the company advertised as early as March 1902 Minerva-engined motorcycles built from Chater-Lea fittings and this rare veteran must be one of the earliest survivors.
The engine has been identified by the British Minerva specialist as a genuine 1902 type.
The machine was found in a dry barn on the Somerset levels and has been in single ownership from ca. 1972 till 2008.
The former owner finished the restoration and now she is all ready for the road again after 110 years!