In the darkest days of winter, just after the New Year, the Mecum Las Vegas Auction sees a number of interesting bikes cross the stage and (hopefully) find their way to new homes. If you're obsessed with either vintage machines, motorcycle history, or both, then there's surely going to be something that strikes your interest.

But few things are ever going to be this incredible 1968 Honda CB750 Prototype that just sold at the 2026 Mecum Las Vegas auction. To be more specific, it is the 1968 Honda CB750 Sandcast Prototype, and it was very specifically sent from Soichiro Honda himself over to Bob Hansen in the US, whose name you might recognize because he ran both American Honda's and later Kawasaki's racing teams during those halcyon days. 

This was, in fact, the first CB750 ever sent to the US, and because it's a one-of-one machine, it features a number of details that differ from the bikes that came afterward. The valve cover, for example, had the word "HONDA" as part of the casting, rather than the more familiar declaration of "OHC 750". The starter motor cover is a different shape from the production version; the seat flips up and back instead of off to the side; and so on. You could very legitimately play a game of "which one of these is not like the others?" with this bike, and you'd always win if you chose it.

Photos by: Mecum Auctions

Photos by: Mecum Auctions

Sandstorm

Given its ultra-rarity and importance in the history of motorcycles, Honda motorcycles, and American Honda in particular, it's probably no surprise that it fetched a pretty eye-watering price when the hammer finally fell on the sale. How much did it go for? US $313,500, and while that certainly qualified it for the top 3 highest-grossing sales at the 2026 Mecum Las Vegas auction, it still wasn't quite enough to help it reach the top spot.

What topped the charts this time around? A different Honda, a 2004 RC174 George Beale Replica, which brought in a cool $330,000. The very serious question to ask about either of these bikes is, do you want a house, or do you want a vintage Honda?

We want your opinion!

- The RideApart Team