THE ICONIC MOTORCYCLE SALE AT THE NEC 15th November 2026

42 The Iconic Motorcycle Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 Lot 726 1966 Honda RC173 Ex-Mike Hailwood Factory Race Bike 349cc Estimate: £750,000 - £950,000 Registration: UNREGISTERED Frame No: RC173F Specialist: Dave Hancock One of the most historically important Hondas to be offered for sale in recent years, the ex-Mike Hailwood 1966 World Championship-winning RC173 350 Honda 4. Raced by Mike in the 1966 350cc World Championship, winning six races and beating Giacomo Agostini to the title. Honda restored to original condition, huge history file and presented in running order. • The fabulous machine on offer here is the Factory Honda RC173 350cc Honda 4 raced by Mike during the 1966 World Championship and is the only example in existence •Honda built the bike especially for Mike so that he could compete in the 350cc World Championship alongside his 250cc and 500cc campaigns •He took the 350cc World Championship that year winning the West German, French, Dutch, Czech, Finnish and Ulster GPs, taking many fastest laps along the way, whilst beating Agostini on the MV Agusta and Pasolini on the Benelli into second and third places • Following the end of the 1966 season Mike retained the bike, racing it again in 1967 at selected invitation races including Mallory Park and Oulton Park • The bike then formed part of the Wheatcroft Donington Collection for many years prior to being sold at auction in 1997 by the Hailwood family to its current UK-based owner •Over the next 30 years, the bike was restored to running order and ridden at various events and parades in the UK. In June 2005, the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan asked if they could borrow the bike and, whilst in their care, it underwent a full chassis and engine rebuild (still retaining the original matching engine and frame numbers) before returning it to its current owner in June 2006 • Presented in running order complete with various special tools, an original set of carburettor jets, its original stand and a more modern version made by Honda whilst at the factory, factory supplied oil, a Perspex display sign used at the Honda Collection Hall and a bespoke bike and screen cover •Small history file included containing 1997 Coys catalogue, numerous copy photos and some 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed memorabilia •A once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of Honda/Mike Hailwood history