The Dave Degens, c.1978 Dresda-Honda 810cc Racing Motorcycle

• One of six built in period
• Raced by Dave Degens in the late 1970s
• Restored circa five years ago
• Displayed at Salon Prive

Proprietor of Dresda Autos, previously a retail outlet for scooters on Putney Bridge Road in South West London, Dave Degens was one of the first special-builders to put the Triton into what might be termed 'limited production'. A happy marriage of Triumph power and Norton roadholding, the Triton is rightly regarded by enthusiasts as the quintessential British sports special. The idea caught on after the Featherbed's arrival in the mid-1950s and many hundreds have been made since, varying in quality from the professional to the horrendously amateurish. Dave Degens' were among the very best and he set out to prove it in the most convincing way possible – by racing them. Riding one of his own Dresda Tritons, Degens won the prestigious Barcelona 24-Hour endurance race in 1965, defeating many works-entered bikes in the process, and went on to develop his own Featherbed-derived frame to take power units other than the original Triumph. Using the new Dresda frame and a 650cc Triumph engine, he won at Barcelona, for the second time, in 1970, and this versatile chassis would later accommodate all manner of multi-cylinder engines from Japan. Wrapped around a four-cylinder Honda motor, Degens' Dresda chassis again demonstrated its superiority on the racetrack when the JapAuto-entered machine of Debrock/Ruiz won the 1972 Bol d'Or 24-hour race at Le Mans. The Honda connection led to Dave building bikes for Honda Britain, and Dresda Autos became a Honda main agent.

This Dresda-framed race replica is one of six such machines commissioned in the 1970s by Honda Britain, some of which were used to promote their distinctive livery and branding. This example is finished in the Dresda colours of the period. Bikes like these could be supplied to customers fitted with 750cc, 810cc or 960cc big-bore kits. A novel feature was the nylon rear sprocket that wore less than aluminium in endurance races. Dave came out of retirement to race this machine in the late 1970s, completing three events on it.

The Dresda was restored approximately five years ago and is now fitted with an electric starter. Other notable features include magnesium alloy wheels; a Scitsu rev counter; a 4-into-1 exhaust system; and the inevitable Dresda box-section swinging arm. Since completion the Dresda has been displayed at Salon Prive. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning thus is sold strictly as viewed. It is hoped that supporting documentation will be available at time of sale. Key not required.