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00:00I can see there is a sea of matchlesses and it'd be nice to know and identify
00:09which one's which. Matchlesses or matchlie? No, no, it'd be matchlesses because that
00:15isn't a Latin name, is it? He learned Latin, I didn't learn Latin. I went to Eton and he didn't
00:20go anywhere. Right. I'm Henry Cole. That is comfy. And along with fellow fanatic Fuzz Townsend.
00:30That's a magnificent pair of choppers up there. We're back on the hunt for vintage treasures
00:35in the nation's sheds. Look at this. We're going to buy them, fix them. That is fantastic.
00:43And sell them for a tidy profit. Welcome to Shed and Buried.
00:50We're off to Burton, to see Richard.
00:59Not Richard Burton, but it's Richard in Burton on Trent.
01:05What's Richard got in his shed? He's into his bikes.
01:09Oh, is he? Yeah, he collects bikes and he also does a bit of a hustle as well here and there.
01:17Buying and selling a few as well.
01:19Oh, OK, all right. You know, to keep the stock levels up.
01:24Right, come on then. On we go. You have a kip. I'll wait you up when we get there.
01:28All right.
01:32Whether I wake up with a view of bike heaven or just a sore neck, who knows?
01:37But Richard's place in Burton, here we come.
01:39Richard, I think I'm in heaven and I think I've died. I think I've gone to heaven.
01:46I don't know where I am, but all I know is I'm in heaven.
01:49It's one of the finest periods of motorcycling, right from probably about 1920s through to mid-60s that I can see here.
01:57The first thing I've got to ask you, right, as a collector, OK, is your stock diminishing in price?
02:04How do you feel it's going?
02:06Well, the interest is still there.
02:08OK.
02:09100% still there. Everything sells. Prices have settled down.
02:14There's no denying that.
02:15But there's people for everything.
02:17Hey, look, I think it's swings and roundabouts, though, isn't it?
02:19Yeah, true.
02:20If the prices dip, more people then can come into it.
02:25Well, there are lots and lots of bikes here.
02:27Are they all for sale?
02:28They are basically all for sale.
02:30The ones that aren't either already are sold or they're my personal bikes or...
02:37Your pride and joy.
02:38I'm stuck waiting for DVLA and things.
02:40OK, well, hey, I know the feeling about that.
02:42So we just need to ask.
02:43Yeah, OK, mate, all right.
02:44So, look, what we will do is have a little rummage, yeah, as they say in the trade.
02:50You certainly are very welcome.
02:50And I might call you and ask you a few details.
02:53Richard, thanks so much, mate.
02:54Thanks so much for letting us have a rummage in your shed.
02:57All right, mate, we'll have a little rummage about.
02:59Cheers, Richard.
03:02Richard's Shed is a treasure trove of British motorcycling
03:05with so many of the famous brands represented.
03:08We'll start, though, with this Sunbeam long stroke from 1933.
03:17250, I think, probably.
03:18It is.
03:19But isn't that a fantastic piece of work?
03:22But also...
03:22Yes.
03:23...the tank.
03:24Yes.
03:24Now, interestingly, Sunbeam, along with Brough Superior and others...
03:27Yeah.
03:28...but they sort of pioneered the saddle tank pre-war.
03:32Yeah.
03:32Yeah?
03:32So, consequently, instead of having a flat tank,
03:34which I'm sure there is somewhere around here, right,
03:37you had the future, which was the tank on top of the top tube.
03:42And look, that aerial, just the same way.
03:44Yeah.
03:45Oh, that chrome in the tank just sits so nicely.
03:48Yeah.
03:49Do you know what I mean?
03:49You've got your little toolbox at the back there.
03:51I mean, that...
03:51That...
03:52It just says promise, doesn't it?
03:54I can't help but be drawn to that bike.
03:58Same here.
03:58Because of its registration number.
04:00What?
04:00It's got a...
04:01It's got a...
04:02Yeah.
04:02It's a Smethic...
04:03It's a Smethic registration number.
04:06What's that got to do with the price of fish?
04:08Well, that's where Midland Red was based.
04:11It was a bus company in Birmingham.
04:12The second largest bus company after London Transport.
04:15Honestly, please.
04:18Unbelievable.
04:19We're in bike heaven,
04:20and he wants to transport me back to bus hell.
04:23Only one thing to do.
04:25Bring back Richard.
04:29Richard, come on in.
04:30I can see one, two, three, four Matchlesses.
04:38Is Matchlesses, they're your love?
04:40Yeah, that's true.
04:41I started with AJ Matchless, first big bikes I had.
04:45My dad did one up, that one out there, and I never really got over it.
04:49Matchlesses is one of the oldest British bike firms, beloved of racers and rockers alike.
04:58From their factory in Plumpstead in South London, they rolled out tens of thousands of motorbikes, which were exported all over the world.
05:07Richard, look, right, what would you advise someone getting into British bikes, who've got their bike licence, okay, but who want to get in at sort of an affordable motorcycle?
05:20You want to sample a British motorcycle heritage, et cetera.
05:23What would you suggest?
05:25Couldn't go far wrong with a 350 AJS or Matchless.
05:28They're really good value as well at the minute, the 350s, and they're such solid, they're lovely bikes to ride.
05:34Yeah, yeah.
05:34You can't go wrong with them.
05:36Now, so our engine, the 350 was the go-to engine of the day.
05:39Right, right, right.
05:40I would say.
05:41Yeah, yeah, definitely.
05:41Just great.
05:42But AJS and Matchless, both the same thing, really.
05:45They were.
05:46Same factory.
05:46They were in the end, yes.
05:48Just badges that were different, basically.
05:51Why did they do that?
05:52I mean, nowadays, you'd probably, you know, it's like Snickers and marathons.
05:57Sorry, that's a bit of a diversification, but it's just like it's the same chocolate bar.
06:02Why don't you just call it all Matchless?
06:03Well, they didn't sell it all at one go, did they?
06:06Because they'd both got good names, I suppose.
06:08I suppose so, yeah.
06:08You were capturing two markets.
06:10Yeah, but basically, you were badging the same bike.
06:13Yeah.
06:16And before Richard leaves, I can't help noticing his small but bijou collection of trinkets.
06:23This is a brand new 1920s tin of oil.
06:26That is just about the KLG as well, that lovely little clock.
06:31A motorion, is that available?
06:33Yeah, I don't deal in things like that.
06:35They are things that have appeared.
06:36Neither do I, I just collect them.
06:38Oh, yeah.
06:40And for slightly cheaper British bikes, both then and now.
06:44Rich has also got a James commuter bike.
06:48It will get people talking wherever you go.
06:51Yes.
06:52And you will get to wherever you go.
06:54You hope.
06:54And the lovely Excelsior Talisman.
07:00This is an Excelsior 250 twin.
07:04Yeah.
07:04And again, a beautiful commuter bike.
07:08Obviously, you'll get to work a little bit quicker than on the James.
07:11Yes.
07:12But at the same time, if you look at this, Matt, they're not a huge amount of money, these things.
07:17No.
07:17So, what era would this be?
07:18Late 30s or are we talking sort of post-war?
07:20No, I think post-war.
07:21Post-war.
07:22Yeah.
07:22Yeah, I would think sort of, you know, 50s.
07:27Richard's taste isn't purely British, though.
07:29He's got a Suzuki 200.
07:32That in itself is a classic, but obviously in a Japanese way.
07:36Yeah.
07:36And lurking next door...
07:39Right, come on in.
07:40Age before beauty.
07:43Here's another elephant in the room.
07:45A little mobilette.
07:461965.
07:48Is it?
07:48Yeah.
07:49Beautiful little thing.
07:55Mobilette was once France's favourite moped, with over 14 million produced in just under 50 years.
08:02People just disregard these kind of rally runabouts, mobilettes, all this kind of...
08:09Yeah.
08:10The moped era, as I call it.
08:12Yes.
08:14I think I've had some of the best fun on motorcycles when we've all been on these little bikes.
08:20They are totally inclusive.
08:22That's the thing.
08:23They're easy to ride.
08:24Yeah.
08:24So, if you're a novice or if you're seasoned, you still have a big grin on your face,
08:29because half the fun is realising that that tiny little engine will actually propel you along.
08:37Okay, so look, man.
08:38We might be able to do a deal on some cans.
08:40Yeah, lovely.
08:41I'll just say all right, though.
08:43The mobilette's really sweet.
08:45That sunbeam I love.
08:47The Excelsior 250 could be great.
08:50Shall we go see them?
08:51Okay.
08:51Come on, then.
08:52What about this lovely 1965 mattress?
09:02We're looking towards 6'9 for that.
09:046'9?
09:05Okay.
09:05All right.
09:06What about the Excelsior 250?
09:08Yeah, that's available.
09:09Not being run.
09:11Not being run.
09:11But I think it's all right.
09:13I can just tell it's all right.
09:14Okay.
09:162'250.
09:17Okay.
09:18Okay.
09:18All right.
09:19Okay.
09:20So, look, moving next door, yeah, the mobilette?
09:24Subject to buying something else, it might be very favourable.
09:27A couple hundred quid or so.
09:28It's got to go.
09:29Has he got a V5?
09:30Yes.
09:31Up-to-date V5 in my name.
09:33Okey-dokey.
09:36Would you entertain a deal whereby we went for the Excelsior,
09:44the mobilette, and those two green castor cans, you know, the early ones, for two and a half?
09:54We're up in Burton with Richard and his exquisite collection of motorbikes.
10:11We've bid two and a half on an Excelsior, a mobilette, and a couple of oil cans.
10:17But will he take it?
10:19That's about fair enough, considering I'm no collector of oil cans,
10:27so you've got the right person to buy them from.
10:30Okay.
10:31Thank you so much, Richard.
10:32What a fantastic day.
10:33Thank you, Richard.
10:34Delving into the British bike scene, mate.
10:36Yeah, very much.
10:37Oh, how exciting.
10:38I've always kind of wanted a bigger Excelsior.
10:41We haven't ever had one in the shop.
10:43Shall I go and get the funds?
10:46Yeah.
10:46Okay.
10:47Okay.
10:47Richard, thanks so much.
10:50Next day, I find out if Alan and Skid are as excited as I am about our purchases.
10:58Er...
10:58It looks like someone's attempted to start it and take things off and put them back on the loose.
11:04Yeah, the fuel pipe's hanging off.
11:06Oh, really?
11:06Seat's hanging off.
11:07It's got compression, though.
11:08No spark.
11:09Oh, dear.
11:10Well, I thought it was good from far from good.
11:12I think that'll go.
11:14I think that'll go as well.
11:15Okay, well, that's more that can be said for this.
11:17Now, basically, I was given this.
11:21Back wheel's in the wrong way around.
11:22Right.
11:22There's no chains, no coil.
11:24Right.
11:24One pedal missing.
11:25But other than that, it's remarkably complete.
11:27Including the Honda seat.
11:28Yeah, that's extraordinary for a mobile head.
11:33The tins, thankfully, are perfectly intact and just need a clean-up.
11:37I think what we should do is just crack off by cleaning the cans and getting the Excelsior running.
11:44Sounds like a good plan.
11:45What do you reckon?
11:45Sounds like a brilliant plan.
11:46Corporate.
11:47Hey, should we have a biscuit?
11:48Yes.
11:52Biscuits dunked.
11:53I disappear for a high-level power nap while Alan and Skid start on the Excelsior.
11:58I think, as usual, the first thing you need to do is get a spark.
12:03You know, I've done a cursory look over this thing.
12:05Yeah.
12:05And there's a few basic things, even at a glance, are definitely not right.
12:10We need to address the fuel pipe issue and spark issue, don't we?
12:14For definite, before we even try and kick it.
12:16I had a sneaky feel a minute ago and there's no spark.
12:19It's probably the points that are corroded up, so we need to take this cover off and clean the points.
12:26While Skid replaces the missing and worn fuel pipes, Alan cleans the points.
12:31The tiny switch is at the heart of the ignition system.
12:37These points are really corroded.
12:38Every time I pull the sandpaper, I've been white dust coming off them.
12:41Well, that's good, because it means you can fix it.
12:43Once the points are clean, Alan checks for a spark.
12:49It's going to be quite weak.
12:51I've got a spark.
12:52Yes, I can feel it.
12:53This side, Al, had an orange spark, so it's not that good.
12:57It's a bit weak.
13:01Unsurprisingly, for a bike that's not been used for a while, the spark plugs are filthy.
13:06Skid burns them clean with a blowtorch, and then Alan gets his boot ready.
13:10Let's give it a quick kick and see if it pops and breaks.
13:14Well, it should just rev up a bit, shouldn't it?
13:20Here we go.
13:21That's a proper result.
13:22That is.
13:23It fired up exactly like we thought it was going to.
13:25We've got a new fuel pipe on and a filter.
13:27I'll get some fuel.
13:28OK.
13:30Not so quick.
13:31Before any petrol goes in, Alan takes off the fuel tap.
13:35Like the spark plugs, it's prone to gunkage.
13:40Look at this mess coming out here.
13:43See the skid?
13:44See that?
13:45Oh, horrible.
13:47That's why I warmed up with a blowtorch and it melts it.
13:50It's like thick tar.
13:52This has happened due to years and years and years of storage.
13:55Fuel has evaporated off and left the tar residue behind.
13:57Yeah, yeah.
13:58It's completely blocked the tap.
13:59Once it's clean, Alan remounts it and fills her up with a gallon of nectar.
14:07We've got a few miles in there, Al.
14:09Probably about 50.
14:12Back out comes the boot and Alan tries again.
14:15That was a good start, wasn't it?
14:21Yeah.
14:28It wants to go, doesn't it?
14:29Yeah, yeah.
14:32It might want to, but it ain't going.
14:35I think the jets might be blocked.
14:37I think they are, Al.
14:38When they run like that and then conk out, it's jets nine times out of ten, isn't it?
14:42I was hoping it would just pick up and run.
14:43Yeah.
14:44In time-honoured fashion, Alan strips the carb off the bike
14:49and uses first a brush and then some fluid to clean the fuel jets.
14:59That's all good.
15:01Yeah, OK.
15:02That's all clear.
15:04Back on it goes.
15:08That's playing much better than last time, Skid.
15:10And Alan prays it's going to be third time lucky.
15:17It looks a lot healthier.
15:18So, basically, let's see if it goes.
15:20If it doesn't go, I'm going to leave Henry instructions for tonight from David on his own.
15:23All right, OK, yes.
15:24Well, we deserve to get him back.
15:25There we go, Al.
15:31Perfect.
15:34That is fantastic.
15:38Well, that runs really well.
15:39I'm really pleased with that.
15:40Yeah, that's very much nearly there, Al.
15:42That just needs a final little tweak.
15:44The light's fading.
15:44I think we should pick up again tomorrow.
15:45Yeah, yeah, definitely.
15:47Look, it's a result.
15:50Next day, our restoration tag continues,
15:54with me and Skid out collecting,
15:56leaving Alan and Fuzz to clean up the cans.
16:02I think these are lovely.
16:04Just beautiful.
16:06If we can make the writing stand out,
16:08if we can get the colours to pop as well,
16:11and maybe shape up the handles as well.
16:14And mine's actually OK.
16:15Yeah, then I think these will be an absolute winner.
16:22The Castrol brand stretches back to 1919,
16:26when Charles Wakefield of London introduced a new lubricant
16:30based on castor oil from crushed beans.
16:34Bit of archaeology, really, isn't it?
16:36It is.
16:37You've got to preserve it, haven't you?
16:38Yeah.
16:40Today, these vintage cans are worth far more than any oil.
16:44It's a very important thing about using a toothbrush.
16:49Don't put it back in the bathroom afterwards.
16:51No, that's very true.
16:54After just half an hour,
16:56they're looking more pucker than a half-time pie.
17:01Oh, yes, babies.
17:03I think they're two of the nicest cans I've seen.
17:05Don't you?
17:06They have come up beautiful.
17:08They are lovely.
17:08Ready for sale.
17:09They've got to be at least 100 quid each, eh?
17:11Yeah.
17:11Yeah.
17:12You know what I mean?
17:12That's amazing, really, isn't it?
17:14Yeah.
17:14Just think, probably somebody paid a couple of shillings for each of those.
17:17Yeah, yeah.
17:18Many years ago.
17:19With the oil in them.
17:19With the oil in them.
17:21Throw that bit away.
17:21Do you know what's great?
17:22It's even with automotive memorabilia, yeah,
17:24Alan sometimes cracks a smile.
17:27Hey, look at that, tot.
17:29Hey, look at Alan.
17:30Tot, tot, look at Alan.
17:32In the end, it's so far gone,
17:35we've decided to sell our mobilette as a restoration project.
17:39The Excelsior, though, is ready for market.
17:42All it needs is a quick test ride.
17:44So next day, we find it a friend.
17:47A Yamaha 50.
17:51Do you know what?
17:51I'm really looking forward to this.
17:52I am.
17:54I think they'll cruise well together.
17:55Just remember, I'm limited to 30.
17:57You're all right, all right.
17:58This can get a pep on a bit more than that.
18:00Probably double that if you wring its neck.
18:02I know, but the reason why I'm looking forward to it
18:03is, one, I love these little Excelsior 250s.
18:06Yes.
18:07But also, it's great to see that out of the shed.
18:09It hasn't been out much.
18:10No, it started third kick.
18:12The battery's absolutely flat.
18:14Not one bit of electricity in it.
18:15It's fine.
18:16And it goes.
18:16And it goes.
18:17Let's frappe la rue, as they say in France.
18:19And we're off.
18:29Back in the 50s, the Talisman was top of the range for Excelsior,
18:33a commuter bike with a bit of oomph.
18:35Today, prices range from around £800 unrestored
18:40to £3,000 or £4,000 for the sportiest versions.
18:46Hey, look, I tell you, with motorcycles like this,
18:49it does take you back to the 50s, et cetera.
18:52But it also takes you back to a time
18:54when life was just a little bit slower, you know?
18:57And because of that, I think for your mental health,
19:03these bikes are fantastic.
19:06Because it slows you down.
19:09And, you know, people sort of aspire to posh cars and all that.
19:23If you're in Excelsior, okay, it's a couple of grand.
19:27But you're part of the classic bike scene.
19:31And you're...
19:33Well, I think you're living the dream, really.
19:35You don't need to spend a hundred grand on a car or something.
19:39This is it.
19:53Now, come on, mate.
19:55That is really nice.
19:57It sounded lovely following it.
19:58Mate, it just rides really nicely.
20:01Handles fine.
20:02Does it?
20:03Yeah, yeah, yeah.
20:03You could quite easily go to work on that now.
20:05Yes.
20:06You know what I mean?
20:06And we're on two tiddlers, really.
20:08It just shows you.
20:09I've been used to riding 1,000cc bikes at the moment,
20:12but that's the most fun I've had in a while.
20:15Here.
20:16Well done, mate.
20:16Cheers, son.
20:17Happy days.
20:17Thanks for the coffee.
20:18Yeah.
20:18Next day, top collector Matt arrives to have a look.
20:30It's a nice-looking bike.
20:32Hey, look, it runs and rides.
20:33Yeah.
20:33Yeah, got a V5.
20:34Yeah.
20:35Oh, it does what it says on the tin, yeah?
20:37Yes.
20:38250, two-stroke twin.
20:40Have a quick look.
20:41Look, he's speechless already.
20:42It looks lovely.
20:43I like it.
20:43I think it looked great back at my place.
20:45Yeah, I think it would, mate.
20:46How much do you want for it, Henry?
20:482.750, son, and it's yours.
20:52How about 2.5?
20:54This is the talisman twin.
20:56It's the highest level two-stroke you can get in the 50s.
20:58It is.
20:58It's the best two-stroke you could possibly have, 2.6.
21:02I really like it.
21:032.6.
21:04Come on, then, Matt.
21:05Happy days.
21:06Yeah, good boy.
21:07Yes.
21:08Yeah?
21:08I'm really happy.
21:09Rock and roll.
21:09I like it.
21:10Yeah.
21:11I'm sorry to see it going.
21:122.6, about 100 quid on that.
21:20We've got the Mobillette still to flog as a project.
21:24Yeah.
21:25Call that 200 quid.
21:26Yeah.
21:26Yeah.
21:27All right, so that's 300 we've made, plus the cans.
21:29Yeah.
21:30They're 100 quid each.
21:31Yeah.
21:31That's a monkey.
21:32Yeah.
21:32That's 500.
21:34And Matt goes away very happy as well.
21:36Happy days, man.
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