27/08/2026
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to offer this hugely important motorcycle in our upcoming Iconic Sale at The NEC Classic Motor Show in November.
This incredible machine is the Factory Honda RC173 350cc Honda 4, raced by Mike during the 1966 World Championship and is the only example in existence.
Honda built the bike especially for Mike so that he could compete in the 350cc World Championship alongside his 250cc and 500cc campaigns.
He took the 350cc World Championship that year winning the West German, French, Dutch, Czech, Finnish and Ulster GPs, taking many fastest laps along the way, whilst beating Agostini on the MV Agusta and Pasolini on the Benelli into second and third places.
Following the end of the 1966 season Mike retained the bike, racing it again in 1967 at selected invitation races including Mallory Park and Oulton Park.
The bike then formed part of the Wheatcroft Donington Collection for many years prior to being sold at auction in 1997 by the Hailwood family to its current UK-based owner.
Over the next 30 years, the bike was restored to running order and ridden at various events and parades in the UK. In June 2005, the Honda Collection Hall in Motegi, Japan asked if they could borrow the bike and, whilst in their care, it underwent a full chassis and engine rebuild (still retaining the original matching engine and frame numbers) before returning it to its current owner in June 2006.
Presented in running order complete with various special tools, an original set of carburettor jets, its original stand and a more modern version made by Honda whilst at the factory, a Perspex display sign used at the Honda Collection Hall and a bespoke bike and screen cover.
This can only be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of Honda/Mike Hailwood history.
If you are interested in selling your motorcycle with us, get in touch today or click the link in our bio 🔗
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