LOT 563

1982 Hesketh 992cc Vampire Registration no. CPU 225X Frame no. 213 Engine no. none visible

Sold for £10,350 inc. premium

Lot 563

1982 Hesketh 992cc Vampire
Registration no. CPU 225X Frame no. 213 Engine no. none visible

The Spring Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|23 April 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1982 Hesketh 992cc Vampire
Registration no. CPU 225X
Frame no. 213
Engine no. none visible

Brainchild of wealthy aristocrat and Formula 1 team owner Alexander, Lord Hesketh, the Hesketh V1000 promised to be an all-new British superbike in the Vincent mould. The proposed design had all the right ingredients: 1,000cc 8-valve Weslake v-twin engine, nickel-plated Reynolds 531 frame, Brembo brakes and Astralite wheels; if only they'd got Rod Quaife to design the gearbox... Rushed into production before it was ready, the V1000 was panned by the critics - the gearbox in particular - and when the receivers pulled the plug in 1982 only 170 had been made. The sole derivative of the original V1000 was the even rarer Vampire, a super tourer equipped with fairing designed by John Mockett. Following the original company's demise, small-scale production was restarted later by successor-company Hesleydon Ltd at the Hesketh family seat at Easton Neston where, over the years, development engineer Mick Broom managed to eradicate virtually all the V1000s shortcomings. The current owner describes the machine's condition as good throughout, though with some inevitable age-related cosmetic deterioration. The Vampire last ran in 2019 and should require only minimal re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; MoT (expired April 2017); and the original Hesketh warranty document.
Offered without key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

We are advised, the machine was last run in December 2021, and are delighted to confirm it is offered with an ignition key together with a key for the seat lock. Please note the motorcycle's screen has sustained some damage whilst in Bonhams care, cracking to the top corner. Bonhams have arranged to replace the screen for the successful purchaser after the auction. For further information, please contact the motorcycle department.

Additional information

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