Rare Isle of Man TT bike goes under the hammer
A rare motorcycle ridden to victory in the Isle of Man TT races more than 50 years ago is expected to fetch about £100,000 at an auction in America.
The vintage HRD-Vincent Rapide machine is being auctioned by Bonhams in Las Vegas on 10 January.
The 1,000cc-class machine, which was ridden by Alex Phillip from Scotland in the 1950 event, achieved an average race speed of about 80mph.
The bike was damaged in a later crash and after repairs was sold.
Bonhams bikes specialist, Nick Smith said: "After winning the Clubman's TT, Alex Phillip was riding the bike home to Scotland, with his wife Annie on pillion.
"They were unfortunately broadsided by a truck at Ormskirk- both were badly injured and spent five months in hospital.
"The Vincent went back to the factory for repairs, it was re-commissioned and eventually sold to a war veteran, Lt-Col. Jack Churchill- at that time it was probably the fastest road-going motorcycle in the world."
The auction is due to start at 20:00 GMT.