Lot 256: Francis-Barnett 250cc Cruiser Twin

Part of Associated Motor Cycles from 1947, Francis-Barnett concentrated on the production of lightweight two-strokes powered by Villiers engines, though from 1957 AMC's own were fitted to many models. By 1961 the home-grown product - although now manufactured by Villiers - was used exclusively; though that situation soon changed with the introduction for 1962 of the Villiers 2T-powered Cruiser Twin 89, based on the single-cylinder Cruiser 80. Tested by Motor Cycling, the Cruiser Twin achieved a 'flat-on-the-tank' best of 71.9mph and returned 72mpg over the duration of the 500-mile test. Originally registered 'BPE 358B', this Model 89 Cruiser Twin was reregistered 'PRX 184B' in 1987, the change being recorded on the accompanying original logbook. Acquired by the vendor in October 2005, the machine is offered with Swansea V5C recording the preceding owner as Mrs Stella Denman, of Ifield, Surrey.