1953 Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet Scrambler
Frame no. JS 12808
Engine no. JS 12808

Enfield revived the Bullet name in 1948 for a sensational new 350 sports bike with swinging-arm rear suspension. After the prototypes' debut in the Colmore Cup trial, the Bullet went on to achieve its first major competition success in the ISDT later in the year. Royal Enfield's outstanding record in post-war trials owed much to its being first in the field with swinging-arm suspension, but arguably more to the talents of works rider Johnny Brittain, ably aided by the likes of Jack Stocker, Stan Holmes, Don Evans and younger brother Pat. The factory was much more interested in trials than scrambles but that didn't stop the works riders indulging in the latter whenever they could. In 1953 the first 500cc Bullets appeared in the hands of the works riders and were offered for sale to customers for the '54 season. A new frame, shared with trials and ISDT Bullets, was introduced for 1955 but the Scrambler was destined for a relatively short life, disappearing for the range at the end of 1956. This rare 500cc Bullet Scrambler was despatched new to the Danish importer, Wilhelm Nelleman, on 30th October 1953. Sympathetically restored by the vendor in 2008, it is described as in generally excellent condition - running very well - and offered with REOC dating certificate.