Historics Auctioneers’ forthcoming Pace of Autumn sale at Ascot Racecourse on 12 September will feature a fascinating selection of motorcycles, ranging from beautifully preserved examples of British two-wheel history to a highly unusual American custom. At the centre of the line-up is one of just three Weslake-engined Brooklands GB500 motorcycles ever built.
Perhaps the most intriguing motorcycle in the sale is the 1990 Brooklands GB500, estimated at £8,000–£12,000. Representing a little-known chapter in the attempted revival of the British motorcycle industry, the Brooklands was conceived by Norton enthusiast Ian Thompson and Malcolm Nash as a modern interpretation of the traditional British sporting single.
The project brought together some of Britain’s most respected engineering names. Its purpose-built 500cc single was developed with renowned engineering company Weslake, drawing inspiration from its successful speedway engine and incorporating principles derived from Cosworth’s celebrated DFV Formula 1 engine. The resulting four-valve, double-overhead-camshaft engine was housed in a replica Featherbed-type frame with redesigned Roadholder-style forks, 19-inch wheels, conical hubs and twin-leading-shoe front brakes.
The ambitious project was ultimately undone by circumstances rather than engineering. Weslake entered receivership, followed by the collapse of Triumph Motorcycles, disrupting both engine component and gearbox supplies. Brooklands subsequently entered voluntary liquidation, and its intended production run of 25 flagship Model 40s never came to fruition. Ultimately, just three Weslake-engined Brooklands motorcycles were completed.
This particular machine is the last of the three and was retained by Ian Thompson himself for his personal collection. It is also rather different from the other examples, being fitted with an Eric Cheney competition frame, competition exhaust and bespoke swing arm. With its combination of Manx-inspired styling, advanced engineering and fascinating backstory, it represents a remarkable example of a British motorcycle that almost was.https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-121—1990-brooklands-gb500/?lot=20385&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=108&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=96&pn=1&g=1
Stepping back into the golden age of British motorcycling is the 1962 Royal Enfield Constellation, estimated at £4,500–£5,500. Registered on 1 May 1962, this 692cc parallel-twin is described as a good, honest example and has remained within the same family since 1984. The original registration plate, 2132 MD, remains with the motorcycle, accompanied by its buff logbook, V5, previous MoT certificates and tax discs. As one of Royal Enfield’s largest and most powerful road-going motorcycles of its era, the Constellation combines traditional British styling with the character of a substantial twin-cylinder machine. – https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-101—1962-royal-enfield-constellation/?lot=20353&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=108&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=12&pn=1&g=1
The 1957 BSA Bantam Major D3, offered without reserve, provides another glimpse into everyday British motorcycling of the period. Originally registered in Eastbourne on 26 August 1957, the D3 represented an evolution of the original 125cc Bantam, increasing engine capacity to 148cc and producing 5.3bhp. Its V5 records just one previous keeper, while the motorcycle appears largely original, including the colourful cockerel still visible on its fuel tank. Produced by BSA in considerable numbers during the model’s long production run, surviving original examples such as this offer a charming reminder of the accessible motorcycles that once filled Britain’s roads.
Completing the selection is a very different proposition: a 2004 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fatboy, estimated at £5,000–£8,000. With just 7,500 miles from new, this iconic American cruiser has been transformed into a no-expense-spared California-style custom. Its Candy Apple Red finish, hardtail-style stance, bobber rear end, solo diamond-stitched saddle and custom mini-ape bars are complemented by extensive chrome detailing, deep-dish 80-spoke wheels, a performance air cleaner and shorty two-into-two exhaust. Powered by Harley-Davidson’s 1,450cc Twin Cam 88B V-twin, it combines low mileage with a striking custom aesthetic.
Together, the four motorcycles offer a snapshot of more than four decades of two-wheeled design and engineering — from the traditional British twins and lightweight Bantam of the 1950s and 1960s, through the fascinating, ultimately unrealised Brooklands revival, to an unmistakably American custom cruiser.
The motorcycles will be offered as part of Historics Auctioneers’ Pace of Autumn sale at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 12 September 2026. Viewing will take place from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 September, 9am–5pm, with entry by catalogue.
(original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk)
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