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2011 Australian International Motor Show Auction
Lot
47

1959 Royal Enfield 500 Airflow Meteor Minor Motorcycle

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine 500cc Twin
Gearbox 4-Speed Manual
Colour Blue
Trim Black

Description

This lot is no longer available

One of the most established of the British motorcycle manufacturers, Royal Enfield grew out of the company that made engines, bicycles and firearms - hence the motto "built like a gun, goes like a bullet". Although best known for the Bullet range of singles introduced in 1932, Royal Enfield turned their hand to a far more modern range of bikes pitched at the American market in the Sixties, in a last ditch attempt to compete with the Japanese. Indeed the 'Super Meteor' was designed for export to the US using an increased capacity of 692cc. In the shadow of this big bike was the rather unfortunately named 'Meteor Minor', a smaller 496cc Twin that could still run with contemporary 500cc opposition. With a 70mm bore/64.5mm stroke is was an over-square design that was smoother than its competition and just as fast. A rare version of the Minor was the Airflow, a body-style that was used across the Royal Enfield range and utilised wind tunnel tested, attractively sculpted bodywork to make it really stand apart, while reducing wind resistance.