Rare Barn Find Motorbike

At the upcoming H&H Classics motorcycle sale on July 3rd, being held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, there is a very interesting motorcycle for sale and it is one that has spent most of its life off the road.

The auction will see a wide range of motorcycles, from sporting to touring models, in various conditions go up for sale. Of the more than 200 lots in the auction, around 70 of them are offered without reserve.

1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C

One of the most exciting bikes, at least in my opinion, is a 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C, which has been off the road since at least the late 1970s and was likely last used regularly in the 1960s. The Vincent Owners Club has confirmed its factory-correct number status. Upon its discovery, the bike was found to be in fantastic condition and rolled freely. Even the engine wasn’t seized its decades in storage. Being sold with a comprehensive history file, including sale receipts from 1955 and various engineer reports, this special bike is estimated to sell for between £25,000 and £30,000.

The auction will also feature three other Black Shadows: a 1950 model with subtle upgrades (estimated at £32,000-38,000), a 1952 Series C with all correct factory numbers and 20 years of ownership (estimated at £28,000-32,000), and a 1955 Series D from long-term family ownership (estimated at £26,000-28,000).

1929 Brough Superior SS100

One of the most valuable bikes up for sale is a 1929 Brough Superior SS100, which is estimated to sell for between £240,000 and £280,000. Known as ‘the mysterious SS100,’ it was first registered in 1944 and is believed to have a unique prototype frame that differs from the standard version.

1922 D.S. Malterre

There’s an even rarer bike that will be available at the auction though. A 1922 D.S. Malterre, the only known survivor of the two examples made. This superbly restored, Indian V-twin-powered motorcycle has been displayed at the Goodwood Revival and is estimated at £22,000-26,000.

Other Bikes Available

If you prefer more recent bikes, then a 1968 Godet 1330GT, built to the previous owner’s specifications by Patrick Godet, is estimated to sell for between £48,000 and £52,000. Having seen little use due to the owner’s busy schedule, this bespoke motorcycle is ready for a new owner.

A 1977 Triumph T140D Silver Jubilee is also available, described by H&H’s Mike Davis as the best example he has ever seen. With only 14 miles on the clock and meticulously maintained, this limited-edition model, produced to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, is estimated to sell for £8,000-10,000.

The oldest lot in the sale is a 1913 Douglas 2 ¾-hp, estimated to sell for £7,000-9,000. In original condition, it was discovered in the 1980s and has since been re-commissioned, earning a Pioneer certificate in 1983 and participating in the Pioneer Run numerous times.

Auction Details

For more details about the auction and the available lots, visit H&H Classics.

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.