Mike Hailwood’s 1966 Honda RC173 Heads to Auction

The works Honda RC173 that Mike Hailwood rode to the 1966 350cc World Championship is going up for auction on November 15 at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, England. The bike, powered by a 349cc air-cooled DOHC inline-four engine, is expected to fetch at least £750,000 (\$1 million).

Hailwood won six Grands Prix on the RC173 in 1966, including the West German, French, Dutch, Czechoslovakian, Finnish, and Ulster rounds. The bike has been restored to running order and comes with a package of hardware from its racing life, including special tools, its original set of carburetor jets, and a Perspex display sign.

The history file includes the 1997 Coys catalog, period photographs, and material from the 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Iconic Auctioneers Motorcycle Manager Mark Bryan said the RC173’s history sets it apart, calling it a “remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the machines that defined not only Hailwood’s career, but motorcycle racing in the 20th century.”