1921 GN OHV Vitesse Cyclecar.

1921 GN OHV Vitesse Cyclecar (1300cc).

Chassis Number: 2987

Engine Number: 2987

Registration: Period Age-Related UK Registration (V5C Present)

Status: A project for recommissioning..

Offered for sale on behalf of the owner is a rare and highly desirable 1921 GN OHV Vitesse, possessing an interesting paper trail, an age-related UK registration document (V5C). Built up over two decades from a long-term collection of vintage components which has been gathered by and gifted to the current owner, this GN Cyclecar incorporates some of the most sought-after mechanical features — including a 1300cc V twin GN engine.

Presented as a running and driving project requiring further mechanical fettling and sorting, safety commissioning, and body refinement, it represents a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiast, VSCC member, or restorer seeking a highly sort after chain-gang GN

V5C Registration: Accompanied by a V5C registration document in the current owner’s name with an age-related UK registration number.

History File: Includes period correspondence, letters documenting its origin and past ownership, and some receipts for specialist engineering work carried out during the rebuild.

Documented History:  The core mechanical components—including the original Vitesse engine parts (crankcase, barrels, and heads), were discovered in the basement of a furniture shop during the 1950s and advertised in Motor Sport magazine, passing through several prominent vintage sports car club and GN enthusiasts before acquisition in 2002.

Engine: The 1300cc OHV Vitesse engine is fully assembled and running. A short video of the engine running is can be viewed in the image gallery of the car. Assembled by an acknowledged GN specialist, retaining its rare original barrels and heads on a replacement 'club' crankcase. A custom crankshaft running on needle rollers, flywheel, Harley-Davidson connecting rods, and BSA Gold Star pistons.

Transmission & Bevel Box: Believed original casing and rear sprockets. ~The bevel box and transmission was set up by a recognised cyclecar specialist. Features an FN-style propshaft conversion with an interposed universal joint, engineered so it can be removed for fettling without having to remove the bevel box and chains.

Electrical & Charging: Incorporates a 3:1 sprocket drive operating a modern Dynastart, providing reliable electric starting and an effective charging system.

Chassis & Front Axle: Rebuilt onto a correct replica frame with new cross-members. Features original period components throughout, complemented by newly sourced replica front hubs.

Coachwork: Fitted with a hand-fabricated cyclecar body and mudguards built on a very modest budget by the current owner. Prospective buyers should treat this bodywork as a temporary structure or pattern, as serious enthusiasts will likely wish to modify, re-engineer, or replace it entirely with period-correct coachwork. The bonnet and radiator cowl are period items saved and then donated to the current owner from historic GN enthusiasts.

Chassis & Safety Notice: While the engine is running and the vehicle is fully assembled, the rolling chassis and mechanical components have been put together in home workshop conditions. The car is strictly sold as an un-commissioned project. A comprehensive mechanical inspection, safety check, and systematic strip-down/rebuild of the rolling chassis is recommended prior to any road or competition use.

Summary:

With its V5C in hand, running engine, history file, and the most difficult work in sourcing very rare GN parts already done. This is a rewarding project for the restorer who wants to carry out final chassis fettle and modify or fit a bespoke bodywork to their own taste.

The car is located with us at Gunn & Co in the UK and the seriously interested are welcome to visit and view the car.

Price on Application. For further details or to arrange a viewing and possible test drive. Send us an email.