700,000 miles on the clock for classic motorcycle

Motorcycle for sale. One careful owner, 721,703 miles on the clock — £40,000, or nearest offer.

It's no surprise to learn that the historic machine is in fact a 1955 Vincent Black Prince and is set to be auctioned at a motor show in Stafford.

Auctioneer Bonhams will be enticing buyers and enthusiasts with the classic bike at the International Motorcycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground on April 24.

The motorcycle has covered almost three-quarters of a million miles at the hands of one careful owner and has attracted a pre-sale estimate of between £35,000 and £40,000.

Fondly nicknamed Vinnylonglegs, the Vincent is probably one of the most travelled motorcycles in existence, having regularly toured Europe.

Vincent enthusiast Stuart Jenkinson bought his new 998cc Black Prince from St Andrew's Motors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1955 for £350. Since then he is the only person who has ever ridden it.

In 1980 it became the lead motorcycle in his new business running guided motorcycle tours in Europe. The machine has been rebuilt three times and progressively developed to cope with challenging European tours.

On continental roads the machine has the ability to cruise all day at 100mph with a top speed in excess of 120mph.

Mr Jenkinson, from Guisborough in north Yorkshire, is now 83. He said: "I've finally decided to bite the bullet and say goodbye to it. As any long term owner of a bike or car will understand, selling Vinnylonglegs after 56 years and almost three quarters of a million miles is going to be a serious wrench. I'll just have to make do now with the memories."

Ben Walker, head of motorcycles at Bonhams, said: "Bonhams has a reputation for selling Vincent motorcycles, but this really is a remarkable example. Possibly the most well travelled Vincent ever made, I hope the new owner takes it over the 750,000 mile mark."