Joey Dunlop replica Honda SP-1 set to go under the hammer at auction of N.I. enthusiast's lifetime collection of motorbikes

Commissioned by Honda dealer Tippetts Motors of Surbiton, Surrey, in the early 2000s to mark the road racing legend’s record of 26 victories at the Isle of Man TT, the limited-edition 1000cc SP-1, which has only three miles on the clock, is number nine of only 26 ever produced.

Twenty years ago, Dunlop famously won the Formula One race at the TT for the first time since 1988. It was his 24th TT win, but the 48-year-old went on to win the Lightweight and Ultra-Lightweight races to secure a treble in his final ever appearance at the event. A few weeks later, the five-time world champion was tragically killed in a racing accident at a minor race near Tallinn, Estonia.

Local family-owned and operated auction house Mid Ulster Auctions (MUA) will conduct the sale of the extensive collection of motorcycles on behalf of the family of the late George Miller, a renowned motorcycle expert and enthusiast from Co. Tyrone.

Accumulated over the past 40 years, the collection of over 300 lots comes to market directly from the popular biker’s former business, George Miller Motorcycles, which was established in the late 1970s in the village of Ardstraw.

The catalogue will go under the hammer in a timed online auction taking place from Monday 27 – Friday 31 July.

The lot also includes a limited edition 1981 Triumph Bonneville, one of only 125 UK models produced. Dubbed the ‘Royal Wedding’ edition, it was launched to commemorate the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Other Triumph motorcycles include two 500cc Daytona models and a Speed Twin.

The motorcycle which coined the term ‘Superbike’, the Honda CB750F, will also go under the hammer.

Other bikes to be auctioned include a BSA A7 500cc twin, an Ariel NH350 Red Hunter, a 1951 Matchless G80 500cc, a Hercules W-2000, and Ehrlich 250 GP.

MUA Director Noel Lennon said: “We’re delighted to be working on behalf of the Miller family to manage the sale of this outstanding collection. George’s passion for all things motorcycles is renowned and that shows in the variety of bikes he acquired that carry with them important historical links, from the origins of the ‘Superbike’ to rare and limited edition models.

“George Miller Motorcycles in Ardstraw attracted enthusiasts from the motorcycle community right across Northern Ireland and even further afield. We believe there will be great interest in the collection when it comes to auction.”

As well as motorcycles, a large selection of equipment, gear, parts, and other memorabilia will be auctioned.

Viewing for the George Miller Motorcycles auction is by appointment only in line with social distancing guidelines.

For more information about MUA or the George Miller Motorcycles auction, visit midulsterauctions.com or call +44 (0)28 7946 9564.

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