1958 Mercury Dolphin Scooter 98cc Villiers
It’s rare for any model of Mercury to come onto the market. But here in this auction, as well as this Dolphin, there’s also a Hermes and a Mercette. Between us, we could probably open a Mercury agency 🙂
This Dolphin is in excellent restored condition. I already owned the Hermes, in unrestored original condition, and had done considerable research on the Mercury company for my Cyclemaster Museum, because of their connections with Cyclemaster Ltd. So I jumped when I found this restored Dolphin, which was the model that replaced the disastrous Hermes.
It was on the road until recently; the tax expired in November 2006. It was restored by the previous owner at considerable expense.
This Dolphin was first registered on 31st January 1957, as KCH 537. According to the original logbook (included in this sale) it was purchased by Mr. D.G. Warren of Chellaston, Derbyshire.
According to its history file, he retained the above registration in November 1989. It was re-allocted the registration ACH 617A, and that is the mark that shows on its current Registration Document (V5C). He also corresponded with Classic Bike magazine in 2000, and according to the V5C its last change of keeper was 2004. So I assume it was a one-owner machine for 47 years.
I displayed it at the Vintage Scooter Club Show recently. I’ve not had it running recently, but it started easily and ran well when I bought it 3 months ago. I can’t see anything it would need for its MOT.
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The Mercury Company
Mercury Industries Ltd was a bicycle company founded in Birmingham UK in 1947. They began motorcycle production in Dudley in 1956 with two 50cc models, the Hermes scooter and Mercette , and the following year produced the Grey Streak motorcycle with a two-speed Villiers 98cc engine which sold for £85.10s.
In 1957 they replaced the Hermes with the Dolphin which had a fan-cooled 98cc 2-speed Villiers, and they released the 60cc Whippet scooter (badged as a Dunkley).
In 1958 the Pippin scooter was built at their new premises in Wolverhampton in small numbers before the company folded due to financial difficulties.
Competition was very strong in the light scooter market, the company made many mistakes, and sales were not successful. So today each of these models is a rare and sought-after collectors item.
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NOW SOLD
and on its way to a Microcar/ Scooter Museum in Thailand (along with some of my other scooters)
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
DELIVERY: is not included in this auction. Our website contains details of recommended delivery services.
United Kingdom – delivery is £70 for a 2-wheeler to most parts of the UK.
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VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts – but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
2-Stroke engines – and cyclemotors in particular – are notoriously unreliable. Basic servicing is generally required if unused for even a few weeks.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
Unless an auction description specifically states that the vehicle is running, THE VEHICLE IS SOLD FOR RESTORATION.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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