The sole surviving roadworthy BSA Vetter Rocket 3 – prototype of the Craig Vetter designed triple that became the Triumph X-75 Hurricane – will join the collection of classic motorcycles at the UK’s National Motorcycle Museum.
The BSA was sold at H&H Classics’ auction on 12 July 2023 and bought by the NMM for £27,000. The historic motorcycle, a long-time passion project for John Simmonds, will take its place among other significant vehicles in the museum.
James Hewing, NMM director, said, “In our quest to source the best vehicles for our collection, it’s important that we partner with an auction house that consistently offers high-quality lots and impeccable service. H&H Classics has an enviable and longstanding reputation in the industry, and our recent acquisition of the Hurricane X-75 through them is a testament to that. The dedication and expertise of their team is unparalleled.”
See also: California Dreaming! Stunning BSA X-75 Hurricane up for sale
The 1971 model is the only roadworthy ‘BSA Vetter Rocket 3’. The BSA Owners’ Club has issued a certificate backing its authenticity, with evidence suggesting only two prototypes were ever handcrafted.
A handwritten note by Mr A G Cave, works manager at BSA’s Small Heath factory, and a feature in Classic Bike magazine, further corroborate its past.
The motorcycle, under the dedicated stewardship of John Simmonds since 1982, had woven itself into the fabric of his life, becoming more than just a vehicle. With the sad passing of John Simmonds, the bike was seeking a new chapter, and what better home than a museum dedicated to protecting the legacy of iconic motorcycles.
Craig Vetter’s design would ultimately define a new class of motorcycle: the cruiser. Vetter was commissioned to reimagine the BSA A75, and thus, the ‘works prototype’ was born.
However, the journey from inception to realisation was fraught with hurdles and by 1973, the X-75 was phased out due to its inability to meet American noise standards.
H&H Classics’ next auction is on 15 November 2023. Details here
Source: National Motorcycle Museum
