Post-Listing Update: Despite 13 bids on eBay, this Hoffmann S300 Gouverneur did not meet reserve at $7,500.
Originally a bicycle manufacturer, Hoffman ventured into motorcycle production between ’48-’54. The Hoffmann S300 Gouverneur was their swan song – development costs for the engine combined with the loss of a licensing deal for the Vespa scooters they were producing AND a lawsuit from BMW claiming infringement of the Isetta pushed Hoffman into bankruptcy.
The motorcycling arm of Hoffman was short-lived, but I’m a big fan of the styling of this Gouverneur. For the first 2 years of life, it was powered by a 250cc four-stroke flat twin. For ’53 and ’54, the engine displacement was increased to 300cc. This bigger engine was good for 17 horsepower, enabling the S300 to hit a top speed of 73 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the engine was more expensive to design than originally expected, and it had several quality control issues during production. Want to learn more? Check out a bunch of old sales brochures and a little bit of Hoffman history over at Bernie’s Bike Shed.
This specific Hoffmann S300 Gouverneur (VIN: 93856) has 10,732 miles, and is remarkably intact. It has an older restoration, so everything is mechanically solid but there’s some nicks and scratches in the paint. It’s been sitting for the last 3 years, and will need a tune-up before it’s ready for street duty again. Dual seats are an option, and there’s even sidecar hookups if you’re so inclined…
Find this Hoffmann S300 Gouverneur for sale in Grand Prairie, Texas with bidding up to $3,050 and the reserve not yet met, or a BIN of $9,700
