Ah, Yamaha! The mere mention of the name conjures images of thrilling track days, ear-splitting two-stroke exhaust notes, and a history of racing dominance. And now one of the UK’s biggest private collections of Yamaha production ‘over the counter’ race bikes is up for grabs.
Yes, you heard that right. On 16 February Iconic Auctioneers will host the sale at the MCN London Bike Show, offering a dazzling collection of these purpose-built machines.
Let’s rewind a bit. In the late 1960s, Yamaha decided to give the average Joe — or perhaps more accurately, the slightly above-average Joe — the chance to compete at the highest levels of motorcycle racing. Their solution? Fully prepped race bikes you could pick up from your local dealer.
Imagine walking into a shop, pointing at a sleek machine, and heading straight to the World Championships. That’s exactly what these bikes promised. They came ready to race, spares package included. No fiddling, no faffing, just raw, unadulterated performance. And no other manufacturer dared to do the same.
Mark Bryan of Iconic Auctioneers summed it up perfectly: “Yamaha collections are unusual, especially race bikes, and a collection of this quality is very rare. As far as I know, I don’t recall a collection like this being offered to auction before.
“There are some super rare bikes here, and all are presented in good, restored condition. It’s quite possibly one of the biggest private collections of Yamaha production racers in the UK, and I’m honoured to be able to offer this collection in London in February.”
The collection, amassed by bike dealer and ex-racer Glyn Marriott, is a shrine to Yamaha’s racing legacy. Each bike has been lovingly restored, and most boast matching numbers and original components. They’ve been proudly displayed in Glyn’s dealership for years, offering a glimpse into the golden era of racing.
What’s on offer? For starters, some early ‘air-cooled’ gems, like the TD-2 250cc and the TR-2 350cc. These bikes are the stuff of legends, combining lightweight frames with punchy engines to dominate their categories.
Then there’s the ultra-rare Maxton-framed TZ750D, a beast of a machine that’s as rare as hen’s teeth. Other notable entries include the TZ500D, TZ250A, TZ700A, and a matching numbers TZ750D. Together, the collection’s value is estimated at a jaw-dropping £250,000.
Now, let’s talk about the TZ series, arguably Yamaha’s crowning achievement in the world of racing. These bikes weren’t just good – they were brilliant. Introduced in the 1970s, the TZ lineup redefined what a privateer racer could achieve.
Take the TZ750, for example. This two-stroke rocket was a monster, pushing out over 140 horsepower in its prime. Riders who dared tame it —and I do mean ‘dare’ — could obliterate lap records with ease. It was the motorcycle equivalent of strapping a jet engine to a roller skate.
But the TZ series wasn’t just about brute force. Yamaha’s engineers crafted these machines with precision. Lightweight, razor-sharp handling, and enough speed to leave competitors eating dust. From club races to international championships, the TZs dominated. It’s no wonder they’re considered some of the finest production racers ever made.
So, what’s the takeaway? If you’ve got a passion for racing history — and a healthy bank balance — this is your chance to own a piece of Yamaha’s storied past.
This isn’t just an auction. It’s a celebration of speed, engineering brilliance, and a time when racing was pure, unfiltered adrenaline. Yamaha TZs are more than motorcycles – they’re icons. And if you’re lucky, one of these icons might just end up in your garage.
