Motorcycle auctions often bring to mind rare vintage machines or beautifully restored classics fetching eye-watering prices. It’s not every day that a one-of-a-kind motorcycle powered by the 8.0-liter V10 engine from a Dodge Viper rolls across the auction block.
That’s exactly what happened when the extraordinary Millyard V10-powered motorcycle, built around the iconic American sports car engine, was put up for sale. Despite its unconventional design, the machine wasn’t just a showpiece, its creator actually rode it for nearly 10,000 miles.
After years of enjoying the motorcycle, its owner decided it was time to pass it on, admitting that age and physical limitations meant he could no longer ride it the way he once did.
Fortunately, the new owner plans to ride it extensively instead of putting it on display behind glass. Along with riding the V10-powered machine, he also intends to loan it to the National Motorcycle Museum during the winter months so visitors can admire this truly unique creation.
The Handbuilt V10 Viper is Road-Legal
According to a report by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the red, road-legal V10 Viper motorcycle was handmade by Allen Millyard and was an interesting listing at the H&H Classics Motorcycle Auction, held at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday, 22 July, in the UK.
The motorcycle’s auction pulled hundreds of bidders to the museum, and the auction featured more than 300 lots, which included a variety of classic motorcycles, scooters, and memorabilia, including the late Kevin Keegan’s 1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Lot 399 was Millyard’s V10 Viper. Millyard and his wife Tracey were with television presenter Henry Cole, who was filming the sale for an upcoming television show, the bidding quickly heated up.
Eventually, it was local collector Tim Whittaker who secured the V10 Viper with a winning bid of £130,000 ($172,000). Speaking on the sale, James Hewing, Museum Director at the National Motorcycle Museum, 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 Did the Owner Sell the V10 Viper?
Allen Millyard put a lot of work into building the rare motorcycle and even toured on it to several places, including Germany. However, declining muscle strength meant he could not ride it anymore. He said:
“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.”
The New Owner Bought It to Ride It
Unlike many collectors who buy such motorcycles and preserve them, Whittaker said the V10 Viper deserves to be ridden. Revealing his story from first witnessing the motorcycle to becoming its owner, 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.”