• Formerly part of the Peter Harper collection
• Present ownership since 1997
• Requires recommissioning following a period of inactivity

Like BSA, La Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre ('FN' for short) began as a munitions manufacturer, turning to the production of motorcycles in 1900. Today the Belgian company is best remembered for its sensational four-cylinder models, the first of which appeared in 1904. The FN was the world's first practical four-cylinder motorcycle, its smooth, almost vibration-free operation setting it apart from rival singles and v-twins. Advanced for its day, the 362cc air-cooled four featured 'atmospheric' inlet and mechanical (side) exhaust valves; a robust five-bearing crankshaft; individual crankcase oil wells for the connecting rods; and reliable Bosch magneto ignition. Shaft final drive was another innovation. Supported on ball bearings, the driveshaft ran inside the right-hand frame member to a bevel gear on the rear axle. At first there was no clutch, the direct-drive machine being started by pedalling away until the engine fired. Two brakes (drum and rim-type) both operated on the rear wheel. The engine was enlarged to 410cc in 1906 and 498cc in 1910. In 1911 the factory introduced its own two-speed transmission, similar to that already offered by Horstmann in Britain, which was contained within the drive-shaft housing.

Responding to demands from sidecarists for more power, FN introduced a 748cc, 7hp four – the Type 700 – for 1914. This new engine was a sidevalve of 'T'-head layout, with mechanically operated valves and a mechanical oil pump, which drove the three-speed gearbox via a steel, multi-plate clutch. Pedal starting was dispensed with on the Type 700, a kick-start mechanism being added at the right-hand side of the engine. The Type 700 had not been in production long before the FN works was seized by the invading German Army in the autumn of 1914. The occupying Germans used the FN factory to manufacture ammunition while continuing production of the Type 700, which had a top speed of around 45mph and was widely used by despatch riders. The model remained in production up to 1923 when it was replaced by a new Four featuring overhead inlet valves. Chain drive was adopted soon after.

Previously registered in UK as 'CH 626', this FN Four was sold to the collection by the late Brian Verrall in 1997 having come from noted collector the late Peter Harper. In a letter on file dated June 1996, Peter states he has owned it for a number of years and it has never been used during that time and to the best of his knowledge the engine is seized. It was believed to have been in the Rochester Motorcycle Museum previously. He says the V5 lists the frame number '70452' and engine as '1274', although the engine fitted is '400' and is not seized. In a VMCC register (date unknown) the recorded keeper is a Mr J Hadwin. The engine is recorded as being number '1274' - which may still be quoted from the V5 – but it has not been possible to locate that number on the engine. There is a certificate of permanent export on file. A very handsome and sought-after machine that, following a period of inactivity, will require recommissioning before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.
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