Wilcomoto - Prototype - 1/1 - 498 cc - 1980
09
days
12
hours
46
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43
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Davide Marelli
With 15 years' trade experience, he has written extensively for moped magazines.
Estimate € 11,000 - € 13,000
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Wilcomoto prototype - 1/1, 498cc, first registered in 1980, in excellent condition and located in the Netherlands; no registration papers and no CoC.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare Factory Wilcomoto 500 Prototype – British Moto History
Extremely rare factory prototype Wilcomoto 500, representing the absolute pinnacle of early 1980's British engineering. Handbuilt by the Wilcox family in Herefordshire, this iconic 498cc two-stroke crosser delivers an impressive 57bhp. Engineered with extreme devotion, it features ultralight magnesium engine castings, a single-piece cast aluminium front hub and disc, and a heavy-duty 4-speed gearbox built to handle massive power. Equipped with custom 42mm Wilco air forks and a circulatory rear shock unit, this machine is a true masterpiece. An unrepeatable opportunity for serious collectors to own a genuine piece of classic motocross history.
Wilcomoto 500 – Technical Specifications**
* **Engine:** 498cc two-stroke single, 87mm bore x 83mm stroke, 16-petal reed valve induction with Del'Orto 41mm carburetor. Compression ratio 8:1. Peak output: 57bhp @ 7,500rpm. All engine castings made from lightweight magnesium. Foam air filter, Motoplat ignition, premix fuel/oil.
* **Transmission:** 4-speed constant mesh gearbox with a 6-plate cork clutch running in oil. Primary drive by gear (4:1 ratio).
* **Front Suspension:** Telescopic hydraulic/air forks with 42mm hard-chromed stanchions, magnesium sliders and yokes. 13 inches (33cm) of travel.
* **Rear Suspension:** Aluminium swingarm with custom Wilcox remote damper unit utilizing a circulatory cooling system. 13 inches (33cm) of travel. Needle roller bearings fitted front and rear.
* **Brakes:**
Front:** 10-inch (26cm) alloy disc, hard-chromed. Wilco magnesium caliper with Dunlopad wet-weather pads and Brembo fluid reservoir.
Rear:** 6-inch (15cm) magnesium drum, fully floating and rod-operated.
* **Wheels & Tyres:** Akront dimple-less anodised rims fitted with Dunlop tyres (3.00 x 21" front / 5.00 x 18" rear).
* **Dimensions & Weight:**
* **Tank Capacity:** 14 litres (3 gallons)
* **Wheelbase:** 61 inches (155cm)
* **Ground Clearance:** 15.7 inches (40cm)
* **Seat Height:** 38 inches (96.5cm)
* **Dry Weight:** 225 lbs (103 kg)
* **Manufacturer:** Wilcomoto Ltd, Old Saw Mills, Holme Lacy, Hereford, UK.
---
**History & Key Features**
* **Engine & Transmission Development:** Developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Tom Wilcox and his sons (Brian, Mike, and Steve). Due to the intense power output of the 490cc/498cc engine, the original 6-speed setup stripped gear teeth, leading to the development of a bulletproof 4-speed gearbox with wider, double-diameter cogs.
* **Advanced In-House Manufacturing:** Built using CNC machinery (Churchill V50) to precision-drill barrel and crankcase joints and bore exhaust ports. Features magnesium engine casings, a 12% silicon alloy piston, and a heavy-duty crank with a 33mm pin.
* **Chassis & Braking:** Built with high-specification 45-ton steel tubing requiring minimal frame gusseting. The front hub and 10-inch brake disc are cast as a single aluminium piece for superior heat dissipation. Aluminium extrusions used for the swingarm feature a 5mm minimum wall thickness for extreme durability.
This specific model:
Unlike the later standard production models, this early prototype features a unique, factory-modified frame setup. Additionally, both the fuel tank and the airbox are crafted from lightweight polyester (fiberglass), highlighting its handbuilt development history.
Why this Wilcomoto is unrepeatable:
As a genuine factory prototype, this bike is a holy grail for classic motocross collectors. With its ultra-rare magnesium castings, innovative engineering, and extreme British craftsmanship, you are not just buying a motorcycle—you are securing a priceless piece of 2-stroke racing history.
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Rare Factory Wilcomoto 500 Prototype – British Moto History
Extremely rare factory prototype Wilcomoto 500, representing the absolute pinnacle of early 1980's British engineering. Handbuilt by the Wilcox family in Herefordshire, this iconic 498cc two-stroke crosser delivers an impressive 57bhp. Engineered with extreme devotion, it features ultralight magnesium engine castings, a single-piece cast aluminium front hub and disc, and a heavy-duty 4-speed gearbox built to handle massive power. Equipped with custom 42mm Wilco air forks and a circulatory rear shock unit, this machine is a true masterpiece. An unrepeatable opportunity for serious collectors to own a genuine piece of classic motocross history.
Wilcomoto 500 – Technical Specifications**
* **Engine:** 498cc two-stroke single, 87mm bore x 83mm stroke, 16-petal reed valve induction with Del'Orto 41mm carburetor. Compression ratio 8:1. Peak output: 57bhp @ 7,500rpm. All engine castings made from lightweight magnesium. Foam air filter, Motoplat ignition, premix fuel/oil.
* **Transmission:** 4-speed constant mesh gearbox with a 6-plate cork clutch running in oil. Primary drive by gear (4:1 ratio).
* **Front Suspension:** Telescopic hydraulic/air forks with 42mm hard-chromed stanchions, magnesium sliders and yokes. 13 inches (33cm) of travel.
* **Rear Suspension:** Aluminium swingarm with custom Wilcox remote damper unit utilizing a circulatory cooling system. 13 inches (33cm) of travel. Needle roller bearings fitted front and rear.
* **Brakes:**
Front:** 10-inch (26cm) alloy disc, hard-chromed. Wilco magnesium caliper with Dunlopad wet-weather pads and Brembo fluid reservoir.
Rear:** 6-inch (15cm) magnesium drum, fully floating and rod-operated.
* **Wheels & Tyres:** Akront dimple-less anodised rims fitted with Dunlop tyres (3.00 x 21" front / 5.00 x 18" rear).
* **Dimensions & Weight:**
* **Tank Capacity:** 14 litres (3 gallons)
* **Wheelbase:** 61 inches (155cm)
* **Ground Clearance:** 15.7 inches (40cm)
* **Seat Height:** 38 inches (96.5cm)
* **Dry Weight:** 225 lbs (103 kg)
* **Manufacturer:** Wilcomoto Ltd, Old Saw Mills, Holme Lacy, Hereford, UK.
---
**History & Key Features**
* **Engine & Transmission Development:** Developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Tom Wilcox and his sons (Brian, Mike, and Steve). Due to the intense power output of the 490cc/498cc engine, the original 6-speed setup stripped gear teeth, leading to the development of a bulletproof 4-speed gearbox with wider, double-diameter cogs.
* **Advanced In-House Manufacturing:** Built using CNC machinery (Churchill V50) to precision-drill barrel and crankcase joints and bore exhaust ports. Features magnesium engine casings, a 12% silicon alloy piston, and a heavy-duty crank with a 33mm pin.
* **Chassis & Braking:** Built with high-specification 45-ton steel tubing requiring minimal frame gusseting. The front hub and 10-inch brake disc are cast as a single aluminium piece for superior heat dissipation. Aluminium extrusions used for the swingarm feature a 5mm minimum wall thickness for extreme durability.
This specific model:
Unlike the later standard production models, this early prototype features a unique, factory-modified frame setup. Additionally, both the fuel tank and the airbox are crafted from lightweight polyester (fiberglass), highlighting its handbuilt development history.
Why this Wilcomoto is unrepeatable:
As a genuine factory prototype, this bike is a holy grail for classic motocross collectors. With its ultra-rare magnesium castings, innovative engineering, and extreme British craftsmanship, you are not just buying a motorcycle—you are securing a priceless piece of 2-stroke racing history.
Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Details
Brand
Wilcomoto
Model type
Prototype - 1/1
Engine size (in cc)
498
Year of first registration
1980
Condition
Excellent
Registration papers
No
Frame number
Prototype number is on the last picture
Located in country
Netherlands
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
