Iconic V10 Viper is Returning to the National Motorcycle Museum

There was an incredible atmosphere at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday 22 July as H&H Classics hosted its biggest ever motorcycle auction at the Museum.

With more than 300 motorcycles, scooters and pieces of memorabilia going under the hammer across three auction halls, hundreds of enthusiasts travelled from across the UK to attend, while many more followed the auction online.

Although the sale featured an impressive line-up of machines, including the late Kevin Keegan’s 1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster, there was one motorcycle everyone had come to see.

The Bike Everyone Was Talking About

Lot 399, Allen Millyard’s legendary V10 Viper, proved to be the undisputed star of the auction.

Designed and hand-built by the renowned engineer, the extraordinary one-off motorcycle is powered by an 8.0-litre Dodge Viper V10 engine producing around 500bhp. Over the years, it has become one of the most recognisable custom motorcycles in the world.

Despite its incredible engineering, the V10 Viper isn’t simply a show bike. Allen has ridden it extensively, covering nearly 10,000 miles and taking it to motorcycle shows and events across the UK and Europe, where it has inspired thousands of enthusiasts.

A Memorable Moment in the Auction Room

As Lot 399 approached, the excitement in the auction hall was impossible to miss.

Allen and his wife, Tracey, watched from the auction room alongside television presenter Henry Cole, who was filming the sale for an upcoming television programme.

After a competitive round of bidding, local collector and long-time National Motorcycle Museum supporter Tim Whittaker secured the winning bid of £130,000 plus commission.

Museum Director James Hewing said:

“We’re delighted with the outcome of the sale. Tim is a great supporter of the Museum and we’re thrilled that he has kindly agreed for Allen Millyard’s V10 Viper to return to the National Motorcycle Museum for display during the winter months. It means visitors will have another opportunity to see one of the world’s most remarkable motorcycles up close, which is fantastic news for enthusiasts.”

Why Allen Decided to Sell

For Allen, the decision to part with the V10 Viper wasn’t an easy one.

He explained:

“It’s realising the day that I can still ride it, but I think my muscle strength is less than it was years ago. I’ve done everything with it. I’ve ridden nearly 10,000 miles, been to Germany on it, the Isle of Wight, and ridden it at shows all over the country. I feel like I’ve done everything I wanted to do with it, and now it’s time for something new.”

A New Custodian

The V10 Viper’s new owner, Tim Whittaker, believes motorcycles like this deserve to be seen and enjoyed.

He said:

“When I first saw the V10 Viper a few years ago, I immediately recognised I was looking at an incredible feat of engineering. With my background in automotive engineering, I couldn’t quite believe that one person had designed and built something so extraordinary. When I heard it was coming up for auction, I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I didn’t want to see such an iconic motorcycle disappear into a private collection. It deserves to be ridden and enjoyed, and I’m looking forward to learning from Allen how to ride it properly.

I’m incredibly proud to become its next custodian. Just as importantly, I’m delighted it will stay in the UK and that I can lend it to the National Motorcycle Museum during the winter months so visitors can continue to enjoy this remarkable machine.”

H&H’s Biggest Motorcycle Auction Yet

The sale marked H&H Classics’ largest ever motorcycle auction, with more than 300 lots offered across three auction halls. Collectors, enthusiasts and buyers travelled from across the country to attend, reaffirming the National Motorcycle Museum’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier venues for classic motorcycle events.

Coming Back to the Museum

Although the V10 Viper has begun a new chapter with a new owner, this is far from the end of its story at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Thanks to Tim Whittaker’s generosity, the motorcycle will return to the Museum during the winter months, giving visitors another opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary motorcycles up close.

We’ll announce display dates on our website and social media soon. If you’ve always wanted to see Allen Millyard’s remarkable V10 Viper in person, you’ll soon have another chance.