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2015 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
13

1965 Honda CT50 Motorscooter

$3,900

Sold

Specifications

Engine Single-cylinder, 49cc
Gearbox 3-speed semi-automatic
Colour Red & Cream
Trim Vinyl

Description

This lot is no longer available

Soichiro Honda's eponymous company was founded in 1948 and over the next decade established itself as one of the finest exponents of motorcycle manufacturing in Japan. Following a tour of Europe in 1956 Honda and his co-founder Takeo Fujisawa returned to Japan and began developing a new model designed to compete with the best European scooters and mopeds then revolutionising mass transportation. Ever the innovator, Honda didn't simply copy existing designs like the Lambretta but made numerous technological advances, including the use of plastics for the fairing and fitting larger 17-inch wheels. Unlike most scooters, the engine and gearbox were not stressed members of the frame, making maintenance and repairs simpler. The original C100 was powered by a 49cc four-stroke single with a clutchless three-speed gearbox and kick-starter and was normally sold with a twin-pillion saddle. Honda invested heavily in a new super factory at Suzuka, capable of turning out as many as 50,000 units per month and production commenced in 1958. The US was always a key market for the Japanese company and the following year Honda began exporting bikes there, the model line-up consisting of three new models; the 50cc Cub, parallel twin 125/150cc Benly and 250cc Dream. Popularised by the clever ad campaign using the slogan ?You meet the nicest people on a Honda?, the Super Cub was sold in various two-tone colour combinations, including red and white, blue and white or black and white, was soon selling in large numbers. In 1960 Honda improved the Cub's usability by adding the option of an electric starter (these models were designated C102s and featured a battery and coil ignition in place of the magneto) and diversified the range further the following year with a new Trail model devoid of the front mudguard. For 1962 the original Super Cub was replaced with a new CA100 model, badged simply as the 50 in most markets, but in reality it was little changed from its predecessor. Ultimately, the Cub was produced in 15 different countries and remains in production to this day, with an incredible 60 million units made as of 2008 making it the world's most biggest selling motorcycle.