A super rare Van Veen OCR1000 is heading to auction

If you were looking to own a classic bike that you’d never see another one of at a bike meet, the Van Veen OCR1000 would be a very good place to start.

Built by the Dutch Kreidler importer, Henk van Veen, fewer than 40 examples of the twin-rotary liquid-cooled machine were ever produced, and it’s not known how many of those are left in running order today. One that is running and is presented in unrestored, time-warp condition is the one hitting the auction block at the Mecum Las Vegas sale later this month.

It’s not known where in the run of 38 bikes this example resides, although we do know that OCRs were produced between 1977 and 1979. With bike stated to be a 1978, we’d say its somewhere in the middle of the short lifespan of the brand. Marking the bike out as something extra interesting is its engine, which is a twin-rotary unit built by Comotor. Comotor was a collaborative effort between Citroën and the rotary engine specialist NSU. The unit was used to power the Citroën GS Birotor, a short-lived model from the French brand, which cost more than the swankier DS and had significantly worse fuel economy.

With the Birotor discontinued in Europe in 1975, a container of the dual-rotor engines must have been left lying around in Europe - what better way to use them up than in a thumping great bike to take the fight to the Japanese giants?

Highlights of this particular OCR1000 include a 996cc twin-rotor, water-cooled Wankel engine, a Porsche-designed four-speed gearbox and a shaft final drive. The chassis hardware comprises a 42 mm telescopic front fork, adjustable twin rear shocks, and Brembo hydraulic disc brakes with twin front discs and a single rear.

Finished in a distinctive two-tone green and black paint scheme, this example features dual black-finished exhausts, mag wheels, a dual seat, green gauge dials, and a side stand. It was formerly part of Sam Costanzo’s Rotary Recycle collection in Cleveland, Ohio, and is accompanied by a leather jacket bearing “Capitalist Tools” and Forbes Magazine lettering, adding a period-correct and highly unusual piece of rotary ephemera. Mileage on the bike at the time it was consigned to the auction was just 8,854 miles.

It's not clear what the bike is expected to make at the auction, as no estimate or reserve is listed. We have found one other Van Veen OCR1000, which was sold in Germany via a private sale in late 2025. That bike went for a shade over €100,000. With this bike heading over the auction block at the glitzy Mecum sale, could mean it goes for much more.

So, if you want to add a genuine unicorn to your garage this winter, head over to the official website to place your bid.

Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown.com