Richard Hammond is flogging some of his classic collection at auction

Richard Hammond is (reluctantly) taking some of his prized collection of classic motorcycles and cars to auction, in order to fund a new project & show that’s due to air on Discovery+ in the UK (and Disney+ in other locations) later this year.

Upcoming show ‘The Smallest Cog’ will follow Hammond as he sets up his classic vehicle restoration business of the same name, and will be familiar to those who have seen ‘Richard Hammond’s Workshop’. 

Apparently, despite the big dogs of Disney and Discovery being involved, this new venture needs a little bit of extra funding to get off the ground. 

As quoted in DriveTribe, Hammond says:

“The irony of me supporting my new classic car restoration business by selling some of my own classic car collection is not wasted on me,” 

“It is with a very heavy heart that they go, as they have a great deal of personal sentimental value – but they will be funding the future development of the business and giving life back to countless other classic vehicles.”

What’s up for auction from Richard Hammond then?

A total of 8 vehicles are due for the chopping block, including some really special models that will no doubt fetch a high price. 

All due to be listed with no reserve, Hammond’s auction list includes: 

1927 Sunbeam Model 2

Meticulously restored and ready for a Banbury Run, the Sunbeam Model 2 with flat-tank and early sports nostalgia.

1932 Velocette KSS Mk1

Highly prized and an important symbol of a pre-war Britain, the Velocette KSS Mk1 was a supersport clubmans racer that made big steps for the early Isle of Man racing days.

1976 Kawasaki Z900

One of two bikes bought for his 40th and 50th birthdays, this Kawasaki Z900 from the 70s, a ‘Big-Z’ looker.

1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1

Complete with rare fairing and rectangular headlight, a Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1 which looks to be in great nick.

2019 Norton Dominator 961 Street Limited Edition

Last up for the bikes, and the second of two bikes he bought himself for his 40th and 50th birthday, a limited edition Norton Dominator 961.

And if you were curious, also listed is the 1959 Bentley S2, 1969 Porsche 911T, and a 1999 Lotus Esprit Sport 350 (number five out of 48 built). Cracking collection - and these are just the ones he's willing to part with!

These will all be available at Silverstone Auctions on Sunday 1st August, with the sale also being live-streamed on YouTube.

Anyone planning on making a bid? Despite having no reserve, I highly doubt any of these will be going cheap...