Post-war bike classics making their marque
THE British motorcycle industry may have lost its momentum but its classic post-war marque brands can still prove a racy investment.
Five classic British motorbikes from between 1947 and 1955 are up for auction on July 26, with their value having doubled in the past 10 years.
The famed Vincent motorbikes will be auctioned at The National Motorcycle Museum, with prices ranging from £35,000 to £60,000.
They include the 1948 Vincent Black Shadow, the fastest production bike at the time, and a 1947 HRD Rapide Series B.
Vincent Motorcycles was a British manufacturer between 1928 and 1955, established by Philip Vincent, with its most famous designs appearing shortly after the war.
The auction also includes a Dart motorbike dating back to 1901, and other classic marques including Norton.
This will be the biggest ever sale at the museum. Mark Bryan, head of motorcycle sales at car and motorbike auctioneer H&H Classics said: “We are delighted to offer the best of British with five magnificent Vincents as well as a vast range of collectable classic motorcycles.”
Classic British bike prices are accelerating with a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning now valued at £657,652, according to a study by auctioneer Bonhams for insurance firm GoCompare. That is an increase of a turbo-charged 4,475 per cent from its £501 retail price, adjusted for inflation.
HM Revenue & Customs views a classic motorcycle a “wasting asset”, so there is no capital gains tax to pay on any profit.