Highlights
- Number One of Nine built
- Immaculate condition
- Just 974 miles covered
THE APPEAL
Bespoke British motorcycle brand Gladstone have been around since 1984, headed by TV presenter and motorcycle enthusiast Henry Cole. Their aim is to produce limited production runs of the finest hand-made British bikes with unique designs and craftsmanship.
The Gladstone No1 is the first of nine motorcycles produced, which were started in 2014. The custom-made bike is based around a blue-printed T140 Triumph engine with a Metisse-designed nickel-plated oil in frame. The bikes were created by Guy Willison, who is responsible for carrying out the bespoke hand-crafted work on the Gladstone. Covering just 974 miles since it was sold, as you can imagine, the No1 is in excellent condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Registered 1st November 2015
- A product of TV personality and motorcycle aficionado Henry Cole and hand-built by Guy Willison (Skid)
- MOT is valid until 15th May 2024
THE CONDITION
- The finest attention to detail
- Enamel Black paint finish
- Superb condition throughout
The condition of this 2015 Gladstone No1 is excellent, as you can see. Starting at the front of the bike, the billet milled tri-bar headlight is in good condition; there is a very small amount of tarnishing to the tri-bar surround, which may polish off. The handlebars are one-inch diameter flat trackers that are in excellent condition and fitted with Ktech levers and Gladstone custom brass and leather grips to match the seat. The Smiths five-inch analogue speedometer has the Gladstone design face, and the odometer shows a reading of just 974 miles.
Next, the bespoke aluminium petrol tank has been coated in Enamel Black. This is free from any dings or dents; there is a tiny scratch, which could possibly be touched in. There is also a fake oil tank purely for aesthetic reasons, finished the same with model No1. The seat is hand-crafted and finished with diamond-stitched red leather. This sits on string-twisted seat springs, which help soak up the road from the ridged rear end.
At the rear, the mudguard, again finished in Enamel Black, hugs the 5” rear tyre tightly and is held in place with custom-shaped brackets. The backlight housing is billet milled like the headlight and fitted with a bright LED light.
The aluminium wheels are 2.15 x 19 at the front and 3 x 16 at the rear, with Avon Speedmaster MkII 3.5 x 19TT and 5x16TT tyres fitted, which are like new, having covered less than 1,000 miles.
THE MECHANICS
- Blue printed 750cc Triumph T140
- Five-speed gearbox
- Metisse design oil in frame
Where to start on the mechanical side of the Gladstone No1. The bike is entirely custom-made from the frame, brackets and blue-printed engine; the list goes on. Holding the bike together is a bespoke ridged Metisse designed oil in frame, which has been nickel plated for a bright finish. The Ceriani forks provide a smooth ride and are held in place by the Gladstone-designed yokes and risers. There are numerous hand-made brass and copper brackets and pipework, which all contribute to creating this special-looking machine.
The engine is a Triumph T140 blue-printed engine. This is fired up quickly with the kickstarter and sounds fantastic and exits through the Gladstone/Metisse designed exhaust system. These were originally straight through, but the vendor has had baffles discreetly fitted to quieten down the bike, although it's not lost any of its charming sounds, just a touch quieter. Changing gear is like a conventional bike on the left-hand side and is a five-speed Triumph gearbox. The gear change is excellent, and the Gladstone pulls well through the gears.
Stopping the Gladstone is a Gremica four-leading shoe drum brake at the front and a Conical rear drum hub on the rear. These are both effective and bring the bike to a stop in good time with no issues.
SUMMARY
A fantastic and rare opportunity to own the first of nine custom-made motorcycles produced by Gladstone Motorcycles.
You will receive the fantastic No1, which Guy Willison has carefully handcrafted. The fit and finish of everything on the bike is exceptional and will bring a tremendous amount of pleasure to the new lucky custodian.
Whether you ride it, show it or simply have it on display (although that’s not recommended), it will draw attention because it’s such a bespoke work of art.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.