1966 GREEVES CHALLENGER 24 MX3

This Greeves Challenger 24 MX3 is a handsome, fully-restored example of a rare scrambler motorcycle. It features a 246cc two-stroke engine coupled to a manual gearbox.

First manufactured in 1965 but understood to be recorded as a 1966 model, this Greeves Challenger has reportedly had only three owners in 54 years. In 2010, the bike underwent a substantial restoration in the hands of its second owner – who told the current owner that he bought the bike when it was just one year old. The seller has owned the bike for the last decade, following the refurbishment work, but it has remained in storage as part of a collection.

Greeves Motorcycles was a British manufacturer specialising in bikes for road racing, observed trials and scrambles. The company produced motorcycles from 1952 through to 1976, before being revived in the late 1990s under new ownership, making continuation models and spare parts.

Presented in Ivory white, this Challenger 24 MX3 is in superb condition throughout. The vendor states that the bike has never been used following its restoration in 2010, staying in temperature-controlled storage during this time. As such, the paint finish and brightwork present well, with only light discolouration of the painted mudguards, and minor marks present on the black exhaust.

The multi-spoke wheels are in very good overall condition, with only very minor surface corrosion on the chrome rims. The manufacturer and model decals also present well. All casting marks on the engine block, gearbox and other parts are present, demonstrating the attention to detail and use of period-correct parts on this restoration project.

The bike’s saddle has also been reupholstered in black vinyl with white piping, which is in excellent order with no discolouration, rips or tears. The seller states that everything is in full working order, with no inoperative switches.

The bike has been kept as a static exhibit since it was restored in 2010, and would require recommissioning with fresh fluids and fuel before being used enthusiastically. An exhaust silencer was fitted in the early days of the current owner’s tenure, but otherwise the bike is original.

As it is a scrambler motorcycle, it is not re-registered and has no MOT certificate. The Pirelli tyres are 10 years old, but are in excellent condition with full tread.

Combining rarity with a period-correct colourway and benefiting from a full restoration 10 years ago, this Greeves Challenger has all the major work already done, and just needs straightforward recommissioning. Once this is done, it would make for an interesting and exciting competitor in classic motorcycle events, or could simply be a very smart addition to an existing collection.