The Benington Collection – A Who’s Who of Racing Role Models

There is such a rich and storied history when it comes to motorcycle racing, and it’s a history that can not only be traced back to the pre-war era but also discovered via our latest auction assortment: the Benington Collection. Today we see top tier riders like Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Marc Marquez effortlessly drifting their superbikes around the toughest circuits in the world and setting lap records that were unthinkable only a few years ago, but these feats evolved from those earliest days of two-wheeled competition. Then you have the road racing lot, putting their lives quite literally on the line, year in, year out, as they take on such notoriously dangerous and iconic races as the Isle of Man TT on modern bikes built for purpose, but this form of competition – pushing bikes to their very limits on everyday roads – is where it all began.

This esteemed lineage then can be followed through time, beginning with those early road races way back at the turn of the 20th Century. The very first motorcycles were produced at the end of the 1800s and it didn’t take long before intrepid riders were pitting them head to head and racing them toe to toe on the roads, and in 1906 Britain held the first Tourist Trophy (TT) races on the Isle of Man, setting the wheels in motion for a motorsport scene that would blossom and spread throughout Europe and later the world.

From those first forays into road racing through the post-war period and onto the glory days of the ’50s and ’60s the Benington Collection is an homage to these bikes and riders that not only paved the way for motorcycle racing but also championed the sport and propagated its popularity. With 15 beauties in the collection, from vintage Vs and post-war racers to competition machines and iconic classics from the golden age of motorcycling, the Benington Collection celebrates seven decades of race bred bikes so let’s take a closer look at some of the stand outs, shall we?

1923 Harley Davidson Model JD

A classic V-Twin from one of the most revered names in the industry this Harley-Davidson Model JD is from a time when the American’s ruled the roost when it came to motorcycle manufacturing. Good quality survivors are rare and this original and beautifully presented 1923 example is a peach.

Previously part of the Shuttleworth collection the bike was subject to an older restoration completed in 2006 but has seen little use since. Fitted with the desirable, later 74ci, 1.2-litre F-Head V-Twin engine and with just two registered keepers since its UK registration it’s raring to go. Eligible for the coveted Banbury Run this old Harley represents a wonderful opportunity for vintage bike collectors

1936 NSU 501SS Race Bike

The ‘30s was a fascinating period in motorcycling history, especially as far as racing goes and the Germans proved that they could go toe to toe with us Brits, a rivalry epitomised by bikes like this NSU 501 SS. Wonderfully original and beautifully patinated this rare racer still has plenty of fight left in it.

A rare and fascinating piece of that pre-war motorcycle racing legacy this simply finished, paired-back racer is superbly preserved and wears its storied history with pride. With its 494cc four-stroke single cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox it’s a robust setup and has been ridden at various historic events. This NSU is a perfect representation of a pre-war competition machine.

1947 Manx Norton 40M

Honed over decades of competition the name Manx Norton is synonymous with flat out road racing and this significant and well preserved 1947 matching numbers example would make a perfect historic racing or demonstration bike.

With such a rich legacy in the world of motorcycle racing any Manx Norton is a boon for collectors and this early pre-Featherbed frame example is no different. Period correct and mechanically sound it’s one of the many highlights of the collection.

1951 AJS 7R Manx TT Race Bike

When a company is founded with the sole purpose of creating bikes to compete in the Isle of Man TT then you know it means business and this ‘51 AJS is testament to that initial ethos. Light, powerful and stylish the 7R quickly became one of the era’s most successful ‘over the counter’ racers and this TT-proven example has been carefully restored to factory condition.

In the hands of indomitable Essex electrician Den Jarman, this 1951 7R was campaigned regularly on the Isle of Man TT between 1958 and 1961, achieving regular finishes in the Junior race, proving that it has the bite to match its 348cc single cylinder bark. Fully restored and presented in carefully replicated factory condition it remains a capable and beloved machine.

1962 Seeley Matchless G50 Mk4

Comprehensively restored this impeccably presented historic racer is the embodiment of form led by function. Featuring a beautifully made frame paired with an air-cooled single cylinder engine this Seeley Matchless G50 is a thoroughbred competition machine.

Revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike these early Seeley-framed bikes are exceedingly sought after. From its beautifully crafted Seeley frame, showcasing excellent factory welds, to its 496cc SOHC air-cooled single cylinder engine it’s every part the mean and lean racer. A fantastic addition to any collection.

1975 MV Agusta 350 Ipotesi

A purposeful classic racer fit to grace any historic competition, or indeed collection, this beautiful MV Agusta was built by former Bandini Automobili chief mechanic Franco Verni and ridden by MV Agusta World Champion Carlo Ubbiali, who also signed the fuel tank!

Featuring rakish styling and a peppy 349cc OHV four-stroke parallel twin motor this Italian stallion is impeccably presented and in lovely condition. A purposeful classic racer fit to grace any collection, or indeed race track.

This is just a small selection of the bikes on offer so click here to see the entire Benington Collection in all its rich, race bred glory.