Pre-bids

1980 Honda CB750 ‘SS’ Seeley Special

Highlights

  • Single registered keeper from new
  • Only 39,577 miles on the clock
  • One of 300 Seeleys and amongst the last built 
  • Comprehensive engine rebuild with new parts
  • Dry stored in a locked garage throughout its life
  • £4,219 mechanical overhaul in February to ready for sale 

The Appeal

Colin Seeley was a man used to being close to the ground. As a pre-eminent 70s sidecar racer it is perhaps no surprise that when he began work on a bespoke frame for the CB750, he focussed on lowering the centre of gravity, reducing weight and improving the handling. 
He began work on his bike after honing his chassis skills with the Brabham F1 team. He chose the CB750 because it was one of the most popular sporting bikes of the time, helped by the phenomenal performance of its in-line four. 
Just 300 CB750 ‘Seeley Specials’ were built, some as complete bikes and some sold as kits. All are highly sought after for that tempting blend of clever frame and Honda power. This 1980 example was one of the last built and must be one of the most interesting remaining.
It has been in the hands of the current keeper since the day it was first registered. In its 45 years, it has covered less than 40,000 miles and it has always been dry stored in a locked garage. It is a proper ‘timewarp’ bike that is in highly original, beautifully preserved and unrestored condition. Quite frankly, it is magnificent. 
Recent work has included a full engine rebuild and general overhaul totalling £4,219. The result is a matching-numbers bike the like of which we suspect it will be very hard to replicate. All of which is another way of saying: don’t miss this opportunity. 
The vendor says: 
“Purchased in June 1980 at Ryes of Fulham in London. I am the only owner. Stored in a locked garage all its life.
“It is a pleasure to ride! A classic bike which loves the open road, plenty of power! Must be ridden to be appreciated!”

History and Paperwork

  • Original sales invoice dated 7th May 1980
  • First registered 27th September 1980 
  • Single registered keeper from new 
  • Purchased from Rues of Fulham, London
  • Comprehensive service history with all invoicing available
  • V5C showing bike is registered as a Historic Vehicle 
  • Factory handbook and service book as shown 
  • Always stored in a dry, locked garage 
  • £4,219 of work in February 2025 covering engine and other repairs as shown 
  • VIN number CB750G101889
  • One of 300 built as kits and full bikes
  • Last MOT to July 2021 with no advisories
  • 38,319 miles showing on last test and now showing 39,570 miles 

The Condition

  • Highly original Seeley Special in very well preserved condition 
  • White bodywork with blue striping and darker blue pinstriping 
  • Few indications of age or use to paintwork and bodywork as shown 
  • There are some light marks to fittings but these are not unsightly 
  • You can check these areas in the photos 
  • Vendor reports that the paintwork is fair, with slight micro blistering noted
  • Fittings including grips, dials and chromework all in very good order 
  • Seeley graphics present well and appear to be correct and original 
  • Tyres and wheels present well with no issues reported
  • Rear lights, twin headlights and aerodynamic Perspect fairing in good order 
  • No reported faults with electrics or switchgear 
  • Bespoke Seeley frame in good order 
  • Matching blue seat in very good order showing little age or wear 

The Mechanics

  • 736cc in line Honda four cylinder engine 
  • 5spd manual gearbox 
  • Recently stripped and cleaned engine with new valves, guides, and pistons
  • Rebuilt and balanced carburettors with richer jets
  • New gaskets, spark plugs, and adjusted final drive chain
  • Starts at the first turn of the key according to seller 
  • The vendor describes this as ‘a brand new bike!’
  • No reported running or riding issues 
Recent work: 
  • Engine stripped and cleaned
  • New valves andguides
  • Re cut seats
  • Rebore x 4 +.25mm
  • Rebuild carburettors
  • Full carburettor set up with richer jets
  • New pistons and gaskets
  • Replacement spark plugs
  • Adjusted final drive chain
  • Reset and balanced carburettors
 
image.png 3.2 MB


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1980
  • MakeHonda
  • ModelCB 750
  • ColourWhite
  • Odometer39,579 Miles
  • Engine size736cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownLymington
  • CountyHampshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Comments

No comments yet

Ask a question, share your knowledge, or show this auction some love!

Buying with Car & Classic

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery