1967 Cotton Trials - Rare cult classic - Motori Minarelli 250 - Wassel Seat

1967 Cotton Cavalier Trials BikeWassel Seat, otori Minarelli motor
Rare piece of vintage dirt bike history
History & Overview --To say this bike stands out in a crowd is putting it a bit mildly. Thought you might appreciate a bit of history from the Cotton Owner's Club --
The Cotton Motorcycle Companyof Gloucester was founded in 1919 by Frank Willoughby Cotton at 11a Bristol Road, loucester. F.W. Cotton had competed in motorcycle hill climb and speed trials during 1912-13, nd it is said that he took over from a Mr. A.H. Camery and developed further the motorcycle made by Mr. Camery known as the Sudbrook.
FrankCotton patented a triangulated motorcycle frame design in 1914. He persuaded the Levis Company to construct and test two frames. The First World War prevented marketing the company, ut enabled the production design to be finalized. The first machine which, ith its low center of gravity making cornering easier, ad a top speed of 60 mph and appeared in 1920.
The success of Cotton owners in speed trials influenced the firm to enter those machines in the Isle of Man Junior T.T. in 1922 when Stanley Woods finished fifth. Woods Blackburne engined Cotton won in 1923, nd the publicity increased sales sixfold. The led to the company moving to the larger Vulcan Works in Quay Street. T.T. success continued and in the 1926 Lightweight T.T., ottons ("the Bobbins") took the first three places.
The Cotton Workscontinued their light engineering work after the 1939-1945 War and made no effort to re-enter the motorcycle market, lthough spares were still supplied for existing machines.
The vintage triangulated Cotton frames were now obsolete as the post-war market dictated rear springing. The first machine, roduced on a part-time basis until 1957, as the VULCAN. All parts, xcept the frame, ere bought in and assembled on the premises. The various models were mostly powered by Villiers units, ither singles or twins, ut for a short spell c.1956-7, ertain models such as the COTANZA were offered with British Anzani engines. Other models included the HERALD, ESSENGER, OUBLE GLOUCESTER, ONTINENTAL, ORSAIR and CONQUEST.

Diversification followed by going into the field of competition, nd by the end of 1960 a range of roadsters, rials and scramble models were available. This was also the year when the Ministry of Supply moved out, eaving the whole floor area of the Vulcan Works for motorcycle production by some two dozen employees.

It was in 1961 that the COUGAR scrambler was introduced and a works team formed with riders such as Bryan "Badger" Goss and John Draper. Cotton also made an impact on road racing when they became involved with the prototypes after Villiers introduced the Starmaker racing engine in 1962. The 247 cc TELSTAR road racer and CONQUEST were introduced in 1962 and 1964.

Between 1964 and 1966, nder the guidance of technical adviser Derek Minter, ottons ridden by Minter, vy, nchley and others won races on every British mainland circuit including the Southampton Clubs 500 mile production race for two years in succession and the British 250 cc Championship.

Cotton production swung away from road models towards an all-competitions program. The CAVALIER trials bike used an Italian Minarelli engine, ut only five bikes were being made a week.
Details of Bike --

This is a true off road bike. It is not street legal and has never had a title. It will come with a bill of sale. Signs of use can be seen throughout. A few scratches on the engine case cover demonstrate that it has seen some brush in its lifetime. The K&N air filter is newer and further demonstrates it's period of use.
It has been in a collection of bikes for quite a few years. It was not being ridden and will need a refresh of fuel supply lines to get it back on the trails. The seat on this bike is classic British and shows true craftsmanship. I love the tag line on the tank emblem -- "The Motorcycle Masterpiece"!
The side stand on this bike is on the right side and provides quite a bit of lean when used without a block. It appears the frame was resprayed at some point. The cage cover over the front sprocket is original as far as I can verify. Bike is full of unique details of a vintage trials bike.
Questions, idding, hipping, tc. --
Bidding --European import classics are very hot. This bike is likely to garner quite a few interested parties. Please treat the bidding process as the serious intent (and contract) to purchase that it is. Everyone wins when this level of respect is shown. Thanks in advance.
Reserve Price-- The reserve will be kept in confidence out of respect for the auction process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable bidding on a truly rare vintage trials bike in this state of preservation.
Shipping-- the bike is in Kansas City, O. Transport is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help out with basic logistics on my end and make it very easy for whatever arrangements are made.
Questions-- I hope the pictures and my description are thorough. That was my intention.
Please do not hesitate to call for whatever reason or to arrange to see the bike. (816) 786-7534.
Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!I can't wait to see what the future holds in store.