Lot 01: Royal Enfield Bullet Super Star

Royal Enfield established a subsidiary company in Madras during 1956 tasked with producing the 1955 specification Bullet, the British built machines having benefited from a new frame design for 1956. The Madras built Bullets continued in production after the demise of the parent company in the UK. Production concentrated on the 350cc variant although a 500cc version was eventually added to the range and the models benefited from subtle improvements over the years with items such as indicators being added. In a strange "coals to Newcastle" manner Indian Enfield became available in the UK during the late seventies where their simplicity and frugality was well received by a small group of enthusiasts. Unfortunately the quality of the early imports, particularly in respect of the finish, was not to the standard expected in the west; however the factory, in response to demands from the importers, undertook a policy of improvement. This example of the "Super Star" variant was purchased by the vendor in 1985 from Enfield India Ltd and subsequently exported to Singapore in 1987 before coming to the UK in 1992. It is offered with a Swansea V5.