- Technically highly original, a forerunner to the scooter

- Beautifully authentic

- Version with the most powerful engine

- No reserve

Ner-A-Car: “nearly a car”. This was the argument used by Carl Neracher to sell his motorbike, which was built in the United States and in England (under licence by Sheffield Simplex) from 1921–1928 and is sometimes considered the forerunner to the scooter. It was a futuristic machine with its low-slung perimeter frame and a large fairing covering the mechanical parts. Its continuously variable friction drive transmission was close to that used in cyclecars, while the steering featured a kingpin mounted in the front hub and linked by tie-rods to the big handlebars. The engine, initially a two-stroke single-cylinder, was lacking in power and was replaced on the British Model C by a 350cc four-stroke Blackburne single-cylinder.

The Ner-A-Car from the Panini collection is the most fully developed version, with the Blackburne engine and a large wraparound fairing over the front wheel. It is in good condition, thanks to an older restoration, with lovely black paint and a nicely patinated leather saddle. Survivors of this unusual model are extremely rare in Europe, making this an interesting opportunity to acquire a well presented example.

Photos © G. Rizotto