Frera factory racer Hugues 1921 Paris-Nice motorcycle racing photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of the famous
1921 factory racer Hugues with his Frera 500 SS V4
at the Paris-Nice motorcycle
race
.
Shortly after the Frera factory became active in the motorcycle trade in the beginning of the 1900s, it became a brand to be reckogned with in racing.
The highly innovative 500cc SS V4 model with 4 overhead valves was extremely succesfull ever since its introduction in 1923.
The photograph that the winner of this auction will receive shows that mighty engine in all its beauty and glory.
Main feature of the 500 SS 4V engine was the highly innovative and extremely modern cylinderhead, which carried 4 overhead valves!
This was a novelty at the time.
The valves were
pushrod operated.
The 493,5cc single cylinder dry-sump engine had a bore and stroke of 84,5 x
88 mm
and easily delivered a power output of 18 HP.
This was excellent at the time.
The engine was a work of art, it was very well made and carried many modern features.
The piston for instance was made of a lightweight alloy, and the rocker shafts ran on bearings.
The Bosch iginition system featured twin (!) spark plugs.
Frera was an
Italian motorcycle factoy, founded by
Corrado Frera
,
The company started at the end of the 1800’s as a manufacturer of rubber bicycle accessories and went on to produce bicycles. Frera became active in motorcycle trade in the early 1900s and marketed their first motorcycle under the Frera name in 1906. The company was one of the leading Italian manufacturers till the 1950s, when motorcycle production ceased.
From very early on, Frera had a name to uphold in racing.
The highly innovative 500cc SS V4 model with 4 overhead valve (see photo!) was extremely succesfull in the 1920s.
What is thesedays very unknown, is the fact that during the 1910s and 1920s, Frera was by far the
biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world
.
They made standard, luxurious and (extremely) sportive single and (V-)twin cylinder motorcycles that had an excellent reputation.
This
non period
image
reflects a very interesting piece of motorcycling history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10.3" (ca. 20 x
26 cm
).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.