From Brooklands Specials to Café Racers: Two-Wheeled Icons Head to Historics’ ‘Brooklands Velocity’ Auction
Historics Auctioneers will bring its 2026 classic car auction calendar to a close on Saturday 28th November with Brooklands Velocity, its final venue auction of the year, taking place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands.
Alongside an impressive selection of classic and performance cars, the sale will feature an eclectic collection of motorcycles, spanning almost a century of two-wheeled motoring history.
From a historically significant pre-war Brooklands Special and traditional British café racers to iconic Italian scooters, Japanese classics and unmistakable American cruisers, the motorcycle selection offers something quite different for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Among the standout lots is a particularly distinctive 1991 Harley-Davidson Evo Softail 1340 ‘Speed V Twin’ by V-Moto, estimated at £10,000–£15,000. Combining the unmistakable character of Harley-Davidson’s 1,340cc Evolution engine with the understated styling of 1950s Triumph classics, this bespoke creation was transformed by Oxfordshire-based V-Moto. The project draws on the engineering experience of its creator, Viv Cowley, whose background includes the Bloodhound SSC project, Kenny Roberts’ Grand Prix motorcycle team and Jaguar’s Le Mans programme. UK registered from new and with just three former keepers, the motorcycle is an intriguing blend of American engineering and traditional British design.
British motorcycling heritage is also represented by a 1977 Triton 650cc Café Racer, offered without reserve. Combining a Triumph Tiger 110 650cc pre-unit engine with a Norton Featherbed-style frame, the Triton embodies the spirit of the traditional British café racer. Its specification includes an alloy fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footrests, twin clocks and spoked wheels. Adding to its appeal is an interesting history, having spent time in a museum from the mid-1980s before returning to private ownership. Following a period in storage, it has benefited from recommissioning work.
Another particularly appealing collector’s motorcycle is the 1970 Honda Z50A Monkey Bike, also offered without reserve. This original UK-supplied example is a show-winning machine, having received Best in Class for an original Monkey Bike from the Honda Owners’ Club. Presented in yellow with a contrasting white tank, it remains in remarkably original condition and is a full matching-numbers example. With just two former keepers, an impressive history file and its original buff logbook, dating certificate, owner’s manual and parts brochure, it represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a much-loved piece of Honda history.
For those drawn to more contemporary custom engineering, the 1984 BMW R80 RT Café Racer offers a striking interpretation of BMW’s traditional boxer-engined motorcycle. Transformed into a bespoke machine, it is finished in eye-catching pearlescent Lamborghini Arancio Atlas, complemented by a powder-coated frame and a custom tan Alcantara seat. Powered by BMW’s 797cc air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine, the build features Öhlins adjustable suspension, a Motogadget display and keyless ignition. The quality of its transformation was recognised with an invitation to display at the prestigious London Bike Shed Show. It is offered without reserve.
The selection also ventures into Italian design with a 1964 Piaggio Vespa 150cc, a beautifully restored example of one of the world’s most recognisable scooters. Finished in grey with a contrasting tan seat, this charming Vespa retains the distinctive styling that has made the marque an enduring motoring icon since its introduction in 1946. Offered without reserve, it comes with its original maintenance booklet.
Offering a rather different take on post-war personal transport is a 1950s Solex, also offered without reserve. Conceived during the Second World War and first marketed in 1946, the Solex motorised bicycle became a familiar sight across Europe and beyond. Its ingenious design placed a small motor above the front wheel, using a roller to drive the bicycle forward. This example appears to retain much of its original condition and is offered as a non-runner without paperwork, presenting an interesting restoration project for an enthusiast.
American motorcycling is represented by a second Harley-Davidson, a 2005 Harley-Davidson Low Rider Custom, offered without reserve. Powered by the Twin Cam 88 engine and featuring a five-speed transmission, this Dyna-based cruiser combines the marque’s unmistakable V-twin character with a low-slung stance and individual custom styling. Wide handlebars, forward controls, a two-up seat and gleaming chrome accents complete its traditional American cruiser appearance. Having been preserved within a private collection, it offers a very different proposition to the bespoke V-Moto machine.
Perhaps most fittingly for an auction taking place at Brooklands, the collection includes a 1935 SOS Brooklands Special, estimated at £3,000–£6,000. This fascinating pre-war motorcycle has a particularly interesting connection to the history of British motorcycle racing through its first registered keeper, Thomas George ‘Tommy’ Meeten. A successful competitor who achieved numerous racing successes and speed records at Brooklands, Meeten was also closely associated with the SOS marque, taking over production of Len Vale-Onslow’s motorcycles during the mid-1930s and promoting them under the slogan ‘So Obviously Superior’. Recorded as a 172cc Special, this example retains its period character, with girder front forks, a rigid rear frame and a Villiers engine. Its surviving RF60 registration book documents its connection to Meeten, adding an important layer of historical interest.
With such a varied selection, Brooklands Velocity promises to be an interesting celebration of motorcycle history, bringing together machines that reflect the evolution of design, engineering and individual expression across different eras and countries.
Brooklands Velocity – Auction INFO
Taking place at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, on Saturday 28th November 2026, Brooklands Velocity will be Historics Auctioneers’ final classic car venue auction of the year. The setting is particularly fitting, with Brooklands holding an important place in British motorsport history and providing a memorable backdrop for the sale.
Viewing will take place on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November, from 9am to 5pm, ahead of the auction on Saturday 28th November, commencing at 9.30am.
Entry to the viewing days and auction is by catalogue. Those wishing to participate in the sale can register to bid through the Historics Auctioneers website, with further details of the motorcycle and car lots available online.
For further information, to browse the catalogue or to register to bid, visit www.historics.co.uk.
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