While this August’s Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction boasts a number of rarities, few would be as rare as the 1914 ‘Mostyn’ motorcycle.

If you’re not familiar with the name, Mostyn motorcycles were built in Melbourne from 1909 to 1914, and while they carried the Mostyn name, they weren’t actually built by the Mostyn Cycle Works, whose headquarters was in Canterbury Road, Canterbury. Another Melbourne company, A.G. Healing, actually assembled the bikes for Mostyn, making their own frames, wheels, suspension and other parts.

The Mostyn’s 600cc single cylinder engine is a British-made ‘Precision Big Four’ powerplant. Transmission is a 3-speed Sturmey Archer manual with right-side foot clutch, left-hand shift and belt drive.

Like most Australian motorcycle manufacturers, Mostyn struggled when World War I effectively ended the supply of British-made engines and gearboxes that most locally-built motorcycles used, and production did not continue beyond 1914.

The Mostyn’s outstanding overall condition is explained by the fact that, supposedly, it wasn't even uncrated until 1953, and has only been a display bike since - on Melbourne's famous Elizabeth Street motorcycle strip, as well as the Gippsland Vehicle Collection at Maffra.

Listed as being well maintained and in running condition, Shannons have put a guiding range on this rare motorcycle of $24,000 - $32,000. Other motorcycles consigned for this auction include a 1937 Norton ES2 and 1958 MV Agusta 125cc single.

Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic Auction will take place at Shannons Melboune auction rooms (321 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham) on Monday, August 27, from 7:00PM.

For further details, go to www.shannons.com.au