1989 Hesketh 1,100cc Vortan

Registration no. not registered Frame no. none Engine no. none

• The sole Vortan made
• Offered for sale by Mick Broom
• Requires re-commissioning (see text)

Brainchild of wealthy aristocrat and Formula 1 team owner Alexander, Lord Hesketh, the Hesketh promised to be an all-new British superbike in the Vincent mould. Prematurely rushed into production, the V1000 was panned by the critics and when the receivers pulled the plug in 1982 only 170 had been made. Successor-company Hesleydon restarted small-scale production at the Hesketh family seat at Easton Neston where, over the years, development engineer Mick Broom managed to eradicate virtually all the V1000's shortcomings.

One of Mick's projects was the limited-edition Vortan: an extensively reworked and restyled alternative to the original that was intended to mark the first 10 years of Hesketh production. It was planned that 14 would be built, but the project foundered when only eight deposits were forthcoming. Mick's fresh approach combined the basic architecture of the V1000 original with a different approach to the styling, while the engine was enlarged, and size and weight reduced wherever possible. The Vortan engine retained many of the earlier model's details such as four-valve heads, double overhead cams, electronic ignition, and a five-speed gearbox, while the capacity was increased to 1,100cc with a longer stroke; other changes included a steel crankshaft and different ignition, cams, and cylinder heads. The running gear likewise was comprehensively upgraded, featuring a new stainless steel frame; Marzocchi front fork; Marvic magnesium wheels; Lockheed racing front brakes; Brembo rear brake; and hydraulically damped rising-rate rear suspension with gas spring to achieve a better ride.

Offered for sale by Mick Broom, the prototype offered here is the sole Vortan made. Mick advises us that all parts are new and that the machine has never been run. There are internal components missing and Mick is preparing a list of parts and actions required to commission the Vortan as a runner. All the parts have been drawn and manufactured but the passage of time means some will need replacing; accordingly, the machine is sold strictly as viewed and without documents.