H&H Classics is celebrating 30 years of continuous trading in 2023, and after a record-breaking motorcar sale at IWM Duxford earlier this month is heading to the National Motorcycle Museum on 29 March with a wonderfully diverse cross section of two-wheelers. With ace racers, superbikes and cruisers among the nearly 200 strong field, Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist, H&H Classics, outlines some of the headline grabbing bikes:
The 1955 Vincent Black Shadow Series D is one of the most desirable and iconic bikes of its era and not to be taken lightly. Using a version of the air-cooled four-stroke 998cc V-twin engine that powered its relative, the Vincent Rapide, the Black Shadow boasted a top speed of 125mph, a staggering figure for the time and 15mph faster than the Rapide. As a result, the Black Shadow became the fastest motorcycle in the world and the machine everybody aspired to own. At an estimated £15,000 – £20,000, the example on offer is one of only 144 Series D Black Shadows made – coming with matching numbers, a buff logbook and current V5C, although, it will require a through recommissioning or restoration before use.
“With its stunning performance, black engine and fuel tank, the Black Shadow is simply an iconic bike, representing the very best from an era and key in defining what later would become a superbike,” comments Davis. “Anyone after a great British icon needs to look no further than the Vincent Black Shadow.”
Those looking for the ultimate track bike don’t have to look further than the multi-race winning 2006 British Supersport Championship Ducati 749R Race Bike prepared by John Hackett Performance (JHP) and Lloyds to be ridden by Stuart Easton and later Sean Emmett. Designed to win in a very competitive championship, this bike was the only Ducati to win a race that season. Having been maintained by John Hackett Performance throughout its life, the bike comes with a padlock stand and spares including wheels, faring and a 749R fuel tank.
“The Ducati 749R is a track weapon – to own a race-winning bike from the 2006 British Supersport Championship would be really special” says Mike. “This bike comes with a comprehensive results file from the 2006 season and was recently recommissioned by the current vendor. With an estimate of £15,000 – £19,000, this bike would take pride of place in any track bike collectors’ garage.”
Indeed, while the Ducati is the perfect track bike, the 1990 Norton F1 is an exclusive, road-going sportsbike based on Norton’s RCW588 racing motorcycle. Exclusively offered only in black, gold decals and grey and gold stripes to reflect the sponsorship for Norton’s race team, this limited run 1990s bike is a one owner, 8,400-mile example with lots of documentation and brochures from the factory. The Norton F1 is a slice of 90s superbike royalty, estimated to sell between £28,000 – £30,000.
“The Norton F1, with the iconic JPS livery was one of the only bikes to stand up and go toe-to-toe with the giants from Japan and Italy, in its day. It’s a machine with character and a real 90s pedigree – it’s a slice of motorcycle royalty.
“These three bikes are only a select few from nearly 200 bikes and scooters going under the hammer, meaning there is a two-wheeled machine for every bidder,” concludes Davis.
