1962 Royal Enfield 693cc Constellation, Registration no. 966 KPT Frame no. 96801 Engine no. SB 10891

Important Collectors' Motorcycles and Spares
1962 Royal Enfield 693cc Constellation
Registration no. 966 KPT
Frame no. 96801
Engine no. SB 10891
Like BSA and Triumph before it, Royal Enfield would enlarge its 500cc twin, eclipsing its rivals with the 693cc Meteor, Britain's largest vertical twin at the time of its introduction for 1953. Extensive revisions to the engine and the adoption of a new frame ushered in the Super Meteor in the autumn of 1955. While the Super Meteor was a fine performer, Enfield's next development - the Constellation - was outstanding. Based on its immediate predecessor, the new sports roadster featured a 51bhp engine, revised frame, and a handsome 4.25-gallon fuel tank. On test with Motor Cycling magazine, a Constellation recorded a top speed of 115mph while averaging 51mpg, impressive figures by any standard. This example of one of Britain's rarer parallel twins was purchased from a deceased's estate 12 months ago having been restored in the 2000s by the previous owner. Run since acquisition, the machine is offered with a V5C document.