Allen Millyard’s Viper V10 buyer speaks for the first time since historic sale

Allen Millyard’s legendary Viper V10 motorcycle changed hands for the first time ever at this week’s H&H Classics auction in Solihull, leaving the engineering genius, and its new owner, to reflect on a monumental day for the iconic motorcycle.

The Viper V10 is unquestionably Millyard’s most iconic motorcycle build ever, and eventually fetched £130,000 (£149,500 including premium and fees) on July 22, at the National Motorcycle Museum. 

This was the first time that Millyard’s Viper V10, which featured regularly in photos and videos over the last decade, went up for sale. It marked an iconic day in the history of both custom-built motorcycles, as well as automotive auctions.
 

The Viper V10 was built by Millyard in 2009, meaning the TV personality has owned the bike for over 17 years. The bike is significant for many reasons, not least because of the motor that powers it, which is an 8.0-litre Dodge Viper V10 engine that produces around 500bhp.

In the lead up to the auction Millyard admitted that putting the bike up for sale was a “very difficult decision”, albeit one that would allow for more projects to take place in the future. Millyard has now spoken for the first time since the auction took place, where he reflected on the historic day via a post on social media, saying:

“Tracey (his wife) and I had an absolutely amazing day at the H&H classic auction held at the National Motorcycle Museum yesterday 22nd July, for the sale of my 2009 Millyard Viper V10. It was a long day as I waited with eager anticipation for lot 399 to be called.  When it was called, I asked the assembled crowd if they wanted to hear the engine run and was replied with cheers and yes please so I obliged with a gentle start and rev up. 

“The winning bidder was seated in the room and is a really nice chap who is very excited to be taking over as the new owner and custodian of the viper and we are going to keep in touch. The Viper is currently on display at the National motorcycle museum for the time being, further updates coming soon. Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen.”

The new custodian of the Viper V10 is Tim Whittaker, who himself has a background in automotive engineering and could not let the opportunity to own Millyard’s famous build slip by. 

The new Viper V10 owner says the bike was made to be ridden, and that’s what he plans to do, rather than store the bike as part of a private collection.  

Whittaker added: 

“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.”

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