A hugely exciting barn find vintage motorcycle that has been off the road for most of its life is set to be one of the star lots at H&H Classics’ next motorcycle sale, which takes place on 3 July at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.

The carefully-curated auction covers all ages, conditions and types of motorcycle, from sporting to touring, and all points in between. More than 200 lots will be offered for sale with over 70 offered without reserve, providing a host of unmissable opportunities for collectors, enthusiasts and would-be buyers.

The barn find, a 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C, has been off the road since at least the late 1970s, and is thought to have last seen regular use in the ‘60s. Coming with a fascinating history, the Vincent Owners Club have confirmed that the Series C boasts factory-correct number status. On discovery of the machine, it was found to roll freely and the engine had not seized during its many years of storage. Accompanying the bike is a fantastic history file including sale receipts from 1955 and various engineer reports. Expected to attract much interest, the Black Shadow barn find is estimated between £25,000-30,000.

“We’re incredibly excited to be offering such a wonderful collection of classic motorcycles and vintage scooters at our next two-wheel auction,” comments Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist, H&H Classics. “The quality and variety of machines are sure to excite enthusiasts of many different eras of motorcycling. We have some really fascinating, rare and special bikes that are sure to draw much interest from fans around the world so we can expect to see a lively sale room on the day with plenty of fierce bidding from those looking to add to their collections.”

The auction also features three further Black Shadows: a 1950 example fitted with some subtle upgrades (estimated at £32,000-38,000); a 1952 Series C with all correct factory numbers, coming from 20 years ownership (estimated between £28,000-32,000) and a 1955 Series D which comes from long-term family ownership (estimated £26,000-28,000).

Meanwhile a 1929 Brough Superior SS100 – dubbed ‘the mysterious SS100’ due to it being first registered in 1944 and having what is believed to be a prototype frame as it differs slightly from standard models – comes to the sale with an estimate of £240,000-280,000.

While the Brough Superior holds the accolade for the highest value lot of the sale, it’s pipped to the post in the rarity stakes by a c.1922 D.S. Malterre, the sole survivor of the two made. In superbly restored order but having seen little use, the Indian V-twin-powered motorcycle has been displayed at the Goodwood Revival. This unique example has a £22,000-26,000 estimate.

More than four decades younger than the D.S., the 1968 Godet 1330GT, estimated between £48,000-52,000, runs a 1330cc Vincent engine and is in beautifully-prepared order. It was built to the vendor’s specifications by his friend, Patrick Godet, so offers the chance to own a truly bespoke motorcycle. Having seen little use due to busy work commitments, the vendor feels it is time the Godet passes to a new owner.

Offering an unmissable opportunity for patriotic buyers comes a 1977 Triumph T140D Silver Jubilee which has been described by H&H’s Mike Davis as the best example he has ever seen. To mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, 1000 examples of the limited-edition model were produced for the UK, with a further 1000 destined for the USA and 400 more for other export markets. The sale’s example has covered only 14 miles from new and has always been properly maintained and carefully stored and it is ready for the road. It has an £8,000-10,000 estimate.

The sale’s oldest lot is a 1913 Douglas 2 ¾-hp, which has an estimate of £7,00-9,000. In fine original condition, it was discovered in the 1980s after many years off the road. Suitably re-commissioned, in 1983 it received a Pioneer certificate and has taken part in the Pioneer Run on numerous occasions.

All lots can be viewed in person at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, on the afternoon of Tuesday 2 July from 12pm – 6pm. The sale commences at 1pm on the following day.

Anyone interested in bidding on any of the lots can do so in person, online, via telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

For further details about the auction and all of the lots on offer, visit www.handh.co.uk.

A hundred years of motorcycle history coming to the Iconic Auctioneers Shuttleworth summer sale on July 14th .

The Iconic Auctioneers Shuttleworth Summer Motorcycle Sale offers more than a century of the best of motorcycle design, so for the serious collector as well as the bike connoisseur This is a sale not to be missed.

The entries in the sale range from the 103-year-old motorcycle pictured above, to one manufactured last year and never been ridden. Starting the century off is this fabulous, John Morris restored, James Model 8 “Porcupine”. Produced in Birmingham but a bicycle company that went into motorcycle production at the turn of the 20th century and known for quality bicycles including ‘penny-farthings’. Their first motorcycle was marketed in 1904. This, restored two-stroke 250cc Model 8, is presented in very good overall condition. Known as the “Porcupine” due to the unusual shape of the engine cylinder.

Fast forward twenty years to this stunning 1945 Indian 340 Chief 1 with its ‘skirted Art Deco fenders’ an Indian Chief is one of most recognizable motorcycles on the road. The first Indian bikes produced post war had new features that included girder front forks and plunger rear suspension. This, front leaf spring, example was restored in 2014 to its current good overall condition. Converted to 12-volt electrics and right-hand throttle for ease of use it was running up until three years ago and has been on display in our vendor’s house since, so will require some recommissioning. A US-import it was UK registered in 2016 and is offered to auction with a history file containing copy manuals, Indian Owners Club literature and starting instructions. Estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.

The 60s are synonymous with the legendary Bonneville models and there are three already entered to this sale, the above T120C Bonneville TT Special Competition was introduced to the US-market in 1964 for the growing trend for off-road competition and is the early version of the TT Special. This restored, matching numbers example is presented in good overall condition. A US-model exported to East Coast dealer, Tricor, in period is now UK registered and has formed part of a private Collection for last few years, so will need some recommissioning before use.

Representing the 1980s is one of the rarest Kawasaki Z1000 in existence, the Z1000H Fuel Injection model. Kawasaki’s first venture into the world of fuel-injection production motorcycles, this model was only produced for one year with only 200 bikes being imported to the UK. This example is presented in restored condition and is in good running order. UK-registered from new and complete with a comprehensive history file. Correct numbers and in very original condition.

Another gem from the 80s is this rare Rothmans Honda NSR250R SP. Honda introduced the NSR250R in 1987 as a competitor to the popular race replica Yamaha TZR. The model developed over the years from the MC16 to the 1994 MC28 until two-stroke 250 GP bikes were phased out. This MC18 model is presented in good overall condition and in running order. Originally registered in Japan, then imported into the UK and currently registered in the Isle of Man.

One of only 57 UK-market 998S Final Editions. After the introduction of the 999 model, Ducati launched the 998 FE model (special order) to appease those who preferred the legendary 916. UK-market bikes were equipped with the ‘Testaretta’ 136bhp 998cc twin-cylinder DOHC unit from the 996R. They were identifiable by a unique ‘Final Edition’ plaque on the triple clamp, the number of 998 victories on the fuel tank together with the Italian ‘Tricolore’ on the rear fairing. Presented in original and unrestored condition and still fitted with its original exhaust system. Showing 6,700 recorded miles and in good running order this motorcycle is Estimated: £10,000 – £15,000.

At the far end of the age spectrum this 2023 Triumph Rocket 3R ‘Chrome Edition’ in ‘as new’ condition having never been ridden. Triumph’s Rocket 3, released in 2004, sent shockwaves through the motorcycle world with its massive 2.3-litre, 3-cylinder engine offering enormous power and torque for a cruiser. It received a major update in 2019 and an even bigger 2.5-litre engine. Available in three models, the GT (touring), the R (sports) above and the limited edition TFC model. This motorcycle is on offer from a private collection and will doubtless turn many heads.

More information about the motorcycles detailed above, along with all the other entries in the  Shuttleworth Summer Sale on 14^th July at Shuttleworth,  Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP, can be viewed online at www.iconicauctioneers.com/the-shuttleworth-spring-motorcycle-sale-2024/2024-04-07/ipp-100  or in person at the venue on Saturday 13^th July.  The auction will commence at 11am on 14^th July, bidding is available in person, online, via the telephone or commission (pre-bid). For more information or to get a free no obligation quote for your motorcycle or collection, contact the Motorcycle team on +44 (0) 1926 691 141  or email enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com.

An appealing line-up of restomod motorcyles will add further interest and variety to H&H Classics next motorcycle sale, which takes place on 3 July at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.

A multiple prize-winning 1966 Norvin 1000, named ‘The Devil’s Ride’, is estimated between £27,000-30,000. Owned by the vendor since 1979, during which time it has been an ongoing project, it’s now considered to be in its ultimate specification with re-worked engine and featuring Suzuki suspension and brakes. The bike also features numerous bespoke handmade fittings including the underbraced swinging arm, and the stainless steel rear brake, gear change and footrest hangers. The classic Norvin look is completed by a small nose cone fairing, a Dow short circuit alloy fuel tank, a bespoke seat unit combining the oil tank with a recessed filler, one off exhaust, gold anodised bespoke hubs and wheel centres.

Another eye-catching machine on offer, and one of several café racers available at the sale is a 1968 Godet 1330GT. Built by Patrick Godet and the current owner to his specifications, the bike has covered just 380 miles from new due to the vendor’s busy work commitments. Beautifully prepared and coming from a small private collection, the Godet will be offered with an estimated price of £48,000-52,000.

Offering something more super-sized is an extremely rare c.1999 Ultra S&S Groundpounder. Using a hand-built frame mated with an 1850cc S&S V-twin engine, it boasts fantastic attention to detail, with an airbrushed paint scheme and many bespoke items throughout the bike. Having covered just under 9,000 miles from new, the bike is estimated between £7,330-£9,300.

“For many, classic bike ownership isn’t just about performance, it’s also about looks and standing out from the crowd,” comments Ian Cunningham, motorcycle specialist, H&H Classics. “Many of the bikes for sale at our next auction offer this, but in particular, these three magnificent examples will surely attract many admiring looks for their new owners.”

Among a trio of Tritons on offer is a 1962 Dresda Triton 750 built by Triton specialist Dave Degans. Based around a 1962 slimline Featherbed frame, it runs a modified-to-race-spec 1953 6T engine. From a private collection, it comes with bills and receipts adding up to more than £8,500 and is estimated at just £8,500-9,500.

Another Triton on offer is a 1960 Triton 650, featuring a Featherbed frame and T120 Bonneville engine, that’s estimated at £8,500-9,500.

Meanwhile, for those seeking something from further afield, a 1973 Honda CB750 café racer, estimated between £2,000-3,000, could be the answer. It was built in the USA and imported in 2018. The bike is UK-registered but requires some re-commissioning before returning to the road.

For full details of the rare and bespoke classic motorcycles on offer at H&H’s next sale, visit www.handh.co.uk.