Huge classic British motorcycle haul returns to the UK
An important motorcycle collection of mostly British-built single and twin cylinder machines has returned to the UK
FOR many classic motorcycle fans, the thought of unearthing a treasure trove of barn-find classic motorbikes really is the dream. This week though, we’ve heard about a UK company who have done just that, and all the bikes, and spares, are now back in the United Kingdom.
The haul of important machines has been found and acquired by Hitchcocks Motorcycles, and all 180 bikes and 50 tons of spares are now back in Britain. The mammoth find comprises two collections of bikes and spares, that have been combined and shipped across the Atlantic in five 40-foot shipping containers.
The BMF reports that the majority of the bikes are Brit-built singles and twin-cylinder machines, with big names like BSA, Triumph and Norton, joined by smaller marques like Jawa, and Coventry Eagle. Included in the collection are Commandos, A65s, Bonnevilles, T100s, B44s, B25s, Bantams, M21s, Interceptors, Furys, Stormers, Tridents… It’s fair to say the list is almost endless, and we haven’t even got started on the spare parts list!
Classic British motorcycle haul returns home
The collection includes everything, from full-on, nut and bolt restoration projects, to much more complete and sorted examples that should only need light commissioning. Aside from the bikes though, it’s the spare parts collection might be the most valuable asset to some. As mentioned, it includes some 50 tons of motorcycle spares and we aren’t just talking about rusty relics left to rot in a leaking shed. The collection of new and used spares spans many of the brands mentioned above, ranging from the smallest nut and washer right through to wheels, frames, and even engines.
Sadly, the task of sorting and categorising the parts and bikes is a daunting one, and Hitchcocks is quick to point it could be months before items are ready for sale. It also states that due to the significance of the collection, the items are not available for public viewing, so if you’re looking for some spares, you’ll have to wait till they hit the website.
More information on the Hitchcocks US consignment can be found here.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
