1963 Royal Enfield (Jellymould) Continental. Factory Cafe Racer. Very rare. Not many were made in this form (less than a thousand) before the tinware was completely changed. Very few survive. I have been told of two other roadworthy 1963 Continental in this country, one of which is a fake. There are rumoured be some more basket cases about. The true number is not known, but thought to be very low according to the Royal Enfield membership secretary. The smaller Royal Enfield range of Clippers, Crusaders and later the Continentals were firm favorites amongst learner riders of the 50's & 60's. This bike has survived in extremely good, useable condition and would make the ideal "starter-classic" or light-weight addition to any stable. In-fact this model was the result of a survey carried out in motorbike magazines asking young riders what they would like on the new 250-cc learner machine. Of course they wanted a bike in the style of a Cafe Racer, all the rage back then, plus many bits that the bigger faster models had. So Royal Enfield bought in parts from other factories, like the Ducati style racing petrol tank with flip top Monza cap from Italy, big Smith clocks from the BSA Goldstar, Junior Ace-bars and a five speed gear box like the Hondas (Yes, it works), etc. The cost of importing the petrol tanks became two costly and after a few short months the tin-wear was changed to the more sober Crusader Sports guards & tank that Royal Enfield made themselves. The Continental remained in production in its later form until it was replaced by the fibreglass Continental GT valiant. But this is the first rare version that is highly sought after and the best looking. Starting is nice & easy, the engine sounds very sweet and ticks over perfectly. There is no smoke in the exhaust. Charging is good and the lights are all good. The Smiths 120-mph speedometer is working well. The Smiths rev counter is a bit jerky. Only real fault. This bike is in working order. It handles very well, brakes very well and goes very well for a 250-cc. It is more sprightly than most 350-cc heavyweights of the period and is happy at 80mph. There is a V5C document, registration number TFO 554 Frame number is 2296 Engine Number is 22961 These numbers match the V5C doc. MOT runs until July 15th 2008, although it has done no mileage since the last MOT except a ride back from the garage. Road Tax is historic class (free) but is currently on an off road SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) due to me not being insured to ride at the moment. To get the free road tax all you will need is the MOT & log book & your classic bike insurance. Cosmetically the bike is extremely clean and tidy. It is not freshly restored, but very, very nice. This bike is very presentable, but in a nice useable condition. It would be a light, economical & fun addition to any collection or a very easy to manage first classic! Many receipts for new parts. Lots of money spent. I restored this great little bike for my wife to use. Very low milage since engine rebuild. Since having our child she no longer rides. Have some photos of pre-restored condition. Happy for genuine parties to view. Just email. PLEASE NOTE: This bike is not advertised anywhere else and will not be removed from eBay early! SELLING WITH NO RESERVE! As I have never seen another roadworthy version for sale, the price is based on sales of the Royal Enfield Continental GT in similar condition. This bike is much cooler looks than a GT and is much rarer. Buyer collects. POLITE NOTICE! ALL BIDS FROM PEOPLE WITH OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK RATINGS WILL BE CANCELLED!(PLEASE NO SOB STORIES) BIDS FROM PEOPLE WITH ZERO RATINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED BUT ONLY IF YOU SEND ME AN E-MAIL INTRODUCING YOURSELF & SUPPLYING TEL NO. ETC IF YOU CAN'T TAKE DELIVERY OR COLLECT THE BIKE AT THE TIME AUCTION ENDS A REASONABLE DEPOSIT WILL BE REQUIRED. IF YOU NEED STORAGE FOR MORE THAN A WEEK AFTER AUCTION END THAT'S NO PROBLEM, SO LONG AS ITEM IS PAID FOR IN FULL. Bike not released untill payment has cleared. THANKS FOR LOOKING! GOOD LUCK