• H&H Classics brokers the sale of the Hurricane X-75 'works prototype'.
• Verified by the BSA Club as the authentic works’ prototype and sold to the National Motorcycle Museum for £27,000.
• This historical motorcycle, once a long-time passion project for John Simmonds, now takes its rightful place among other significant vehicles in the museum.

H&H Classics most recent classic motorcycle auction has resulted in the legendary Hurricane X-75 'works prototype' finding a new prestigious home at the National Motorcycle Museum. After being offered for sale at the iconic venue, the bike, which was sold by H&H Classics for a fantastic £27,000, is now being showcased as a key highlight of the museum’s exhibit.

James Hewing, museum director at the National Motorcycle Museum, said, “In our quest to source the best vehicles for our collection, it's important that we partner with an auction house that consistently offers high-quality lots and impeccable service. H&H Classics has an enviable and longstanding reputation in the industry, and our recent acquisition of the Hurricane X-75 through them is a testament to that. The dedication and expertise of their team is unparalleled."

This specific 1971 model stands apart as the only road worthy ‘BSA Vetter Rocket 3’. The BSA Owners’ Club Dating Certificate backs its authenticity, with evidence suggesting only two prototypes were ever handcrafted. A handwritten note by Mr A. G. Cave, the BSA Works Manager at Small Heath, and a feature in Classic Bike magazine, further corroborate its storied past and the dedicated endeavour of John Simmonds in preserving this piece of British motorcycling history.

The iconic machine utilising a 750cc engine, is a product of Craig Vetter's visionary design. It is verified by the BSA Club as the genuine works’ prototype. The bike, under the dedicated stewardship of John Simmonds since 1982, had woven itself into the fabric of his life, becoming more than just a vehicle. With the sad passing of John Simmonds, the bike was seeking a new chapter, and what better home than a museum dedicated to protecting the legacy of iconic motorcycles.

Craig Vetter’s design would ultimately define a new class of motorcycle: the cruiser. Vetter was commissioned to reimagine the BSA A75, and thus, the 'works prototype' was born. However, the journey from inception to realisation was fraught with hurdles and by 1973, the X-75 was phased out due to its inability to meet American noise standards.

Interested visitors can explore this magnificent addition at the National Motorcycle Museum. For more details on this and other exhibits, please visit the National Motorcycle Museum.

Meanwhile, those looking to add a classic scooter or motorcycle to their own collection can register to bid at H&H’s next motorcycle auction which takes place on 15 November at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull by visiting www.handh.co.uk.

Explore our free exhibition at Hinckley and learn about Triumph's history as an iconic British Brand, from the very first prototype to our 1 millionth motorcycle. You'll be able to read all about our racing story, get up-close to well-known movie bikes and much more.

Why not complete your visit with a Factory Tour where you'll be guided by one of our knowledgable Brand Ambassadors around the Home of Triumph, for an insight into the design, manufacturing and production processes that take our motorcycles from concept to creation.

Book a tour

Restored + Exclusive 60th Anniversary Bonus Film Featuring Rita Tushingham & The Leather Boys back at the Ace!

2023 is the 60th anniversary of the 1963 filming of "The Leather Boys" and, though it’s been a long time coming, it is now back in stock to include with exclusive bonus film featuring Rita Tushingham and The Leather Boys Back at the Ace.

The cafe played a leading role in this Sidney J. Furie film, which stars Rita Tushingham, Colin Campbell & Dudley Sutton, utilising many of the cafe’s patrons as film ‘extras’.

Shooting numerous scenes at the Ace Cafe, Furie, eager to achieve realism, took advice from the local riders. “You’d never find an Ace boy wearing them jeans” he was told one morning.

Furie’s direction, coupled with strong performances combine to make “The Leather Boys” one of the great British films of the sixties.

Locations, including the Ace, used in the film are shown here

Rita Tushingham was special guest at the Grand Reopening of the cafe in September 2001.

To obtain a copy of this fully restored 137 minute film, visit the Ace Cafe Shop 

See you at the Ace!

On Saturday 25 November, World Champions from a multitude of two-wheeled disciplines will be descending upon Motorcycle Live on the third stop of the ‘Ride to the FIM Awards - the Future of Motorcycling’. 

Fans of two-wheels will be able to get up close to British riders who have achieved World Championships throughout the years - including five-time World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty, racing pundit and double World Superbike Champion James Toseland, and three-time Motocross World Champion David Thorpe. 

Motorcycle enthusiasts can meet their heroes, see them interviewed live on the Black Horse stage throughout the day by fan-favourite James Whitham, hear them share their racing stories, and find out more about their experiences of what it takes to become a Champion. 

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (aka The FIM) is the governing body for over 150 motorcycle championships and prizes, and a global advocate for Motorcycling. 

The UK’s largest and most interactive motorcycle and scooter show is the final stop ahead of the annual ‘Celebration of Champions’ gala dinner which is being held in the UK for the first time in Liverpool. 

A full star-studded list will be announced ahead of the event on www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. 

Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, the UK’s largest motorcycle show takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, between 18-26 November 2023. Grab your advanced tickets here. 

Let’s go…to #FIMDay at Motorcycle Live!