Description
This motorcycle is Lot 268 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 268
1979 Honda CB750 Britain
Registration no. EFK 825T
Frame no. CB750G-1010666
Engine no. B750GE-1009020
'Limited edition' or 'celebration' models have long been established as a sound marketing technique for both cars and motorcycles, so when Phil Read won the Isle of Man's inaugural Formula 1 TT on a works Honda in 1977 the stage was set for a special version of the Japanese manufacturer's trend-setting superbike. As a result, Honda commissioned Colin Seeley to build a batch of 150 replicas of Read's winning machine. Not to be confused with the Seeley-Honda, which used a Seeley frame, the Phil Read Replica relied on special bodywork finished in 'Honda Britain' livery to set it apart from the standard production model. After the initial batch of 'Phil Read'-badged bikes had been built, a further 250 of the succeeding 'Honda Britain' models was completed.
Its late owner was a lifelong Honda enthusiast who restored this machine himself, using mostly new-old-stock parts where available. Acquired on 1st December 2001, this Honda Britain was his favourite motorcycle, taking him and his wife to shows and race meetings across the country, including the Isle of Man TT. The Honda has been dry stored in a cocoon for the last few years.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Offered with old/ current V5/ V5C documents and 12 expired MoTs for the period 1990 to 2011.
£4, 000 - 6, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
