Lot details

Year: 1990
Make: Brooklands
Model: GB500
Registration: G145 EJH
Chassis No: 00374990
Odometer: tba

• One of three built
• Ian Thompson's personal bike
• Unique parts still fitted

The Brooklands motorcycle represents a fascinating and little-known chapter in the attempted revival of the British motorcycle industry during the early 1980s. Conceived by Norton enthusiast Ian Thompson and Malcolm Nash, the project grew from a specialist spares operation into an ambitious attempt to create a traditional British sporting single combining classic engineering principles with contemporary materials, reliability, and performance.

Development centred initially upon a purpose-built engine created in conjunction with renowned engineering firm, Weslake. Drawing inspiration from its successful speedway unit, the road-going engine was extensively redesigned, with internal components based upon principles derived from Cosworth's celebrated DFV Formula 1 engine. The resulting 500cc-class single employed a four-valve, double-overhead-camshaft cylinder head, 9.5:1 compression ratio. The engine was installed within a replica Featherbed-type frame complemented by redesigned Roadholder-style forks, 19-inch wheels, conical hubs, and twin-leading-shoe front braking.

Production was intended to commence with 25 examples of the flagship 'Model 40'. Unfortunately, the project suffered a succession of setbacks when Weslake entered receivership, closely followed by the collapse of Triumph Motorcycles, depriving Brooklands of both its engine components and gearbox supply. The company subsequently entered voluntary liquidation before Thompson was able to recover sufficient parts to complete the motorcycles.

Ultimately, only three Weslake-engined Brooklands motorcycles were built, making surviving examples exceptionally rare artefacts of British motorcycle engineering. Furthermore, this example is the last of the three and Mr. Thomson's personal bike which he kept for his own collection and is fitted with an Eric Cheney competition frame, competition exhaust and bespoke swing arm.

Combining traditional Manx-inspired aesthetics with contributions from some of Britain's most celebrated engineering names, the Brooklands remains an intriguing example of what might have been: a thoroughly developed British sporting single whose commercial promise was curtailed not by its engineering, but by circumstance. Consigned by Will Penrose