On Sunday, many of you will be busy watching Marc Marquez attempt to take his 5th consecutive win at Circuit of the Americas. But there are other things going on in the world of motorcycles, including an auction of “Pioneer, Vintage, & Collectors’ Motorcycles and Related Spares” by Bonhams in Staffordshire, England. There will be 304 lots going up for bid – here are 5 of my favorites (but I have to say that it was very tough get to get the list down to 5):
Of the 304 lots, nearly 100 are parts and miscellaneous items. My favorite of that block is a set of leathers from Graeme Crosby’s run at the 1983 6 Hour Castrol Australian Endurance Grand Prix. The sale estimate is $1,300-$1,900 and it’s being offered with no reserve. Adorable. They’ve also got a set of leathers from Mike Hailwood but I just can’t get over the rainbow motif of the original Apple logo here. Bonhams claims that this is one of two times that Apple got involved with motorsports sponsorship – the other time was a Porsche at Le Mans.
Another non-bike – a Norton Commando Fastback sculpture by Andrew Ferguson. Estimated price: $3,900-$5,100. Built in February of 2016, this sculpture is comprised of 1,200 feet of 6mm steel rod. It took about 18 months to complete and all pieces were hand shaped and arc welded together. Last year this sculpture won “Best Trade Exhibit” at the Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show. Bonhams makes it sound like the builder has a tiny workshop, so this needs to go.
Now, to the 5 motorcycles:
1. 1972 Norton Commando “Peter Williams Special” – estimated to sell between $9,600-$12,000. Peter Williams designed Norton’s Formula 750 racers, but he suffered serious injuries in a 1975 crash at Oulton Park which led him to retire from racing. This bike was built as a tribute to him, and it features plentiful customizations including a redesigned fuel tank, oil tank, seat pan, side covers, and exhaust, among other modifications. The sale includes receipts of a restoration and a DVD documenting the build.
2. 1970 Jim Gee Triumph Twin Engine Racer – estimated to sell between $13,000-$15,000. Built over 10 years, this actually had a racing history with Jim Gee before MTS Classics bought it “a few years ago.” They converted the front disc to a dual disc setup, installed a new exhaust system, and threw on a new set of tires. Since 2013, this rig has won several awards in shows and races – the best results include a 2nd place finish in the BHR Unlimited Championship in 2014 and 2015, as well as a win in the Over 50s Championship. It’s won other awards, but even when it’s not in competition, it gets an incredible amount of attention.
3. 1993 Hyde Harrier – estimated to sell between $10,000-$11,000. Norman Hyde was an engineer who worked in BSA/Triumph’s racing department who set world records in drag and sprint racing on the side. In a partnership with Harris Performance, he developed a frame called the Harrier. It was designed to fit Triumph Bonneville twin and Trident triple motors. Hyde debuted the bike at the 1987 British Motorcycle Show with Lockheed brakes and Dymag wheels. Bonhams says the company is still around but the website seems to be temporarily down. This example uses a T140V twin and it features Marzocchi forks, Tomaselli clipons, and a John Tickle 4LS front brake. It has just 1,295 miles but has been in storage since late 1993 and will need some work before it gets back on the road.
4. 1976 MV Agusta 750S America – estimated to sell between $60,000-$83,000. The 750S America is a historic bike, but this is extra special as it has been signed by four legends of MV – Phil Read, Arturo Magni, John Surtees, and Giacomo Agostini! It’s had three owners and covered 13,345 miles.
5. 1948 Velocette KTT GP Racer – estimated to sell between $140,000-$180,000. This bike won the first ever 350cc World Championship while being campaigned by Freddie Frith. Freddie also piloted this bike to victories at the ’48 and ’49 Isle of Man Junior TTs – this bike has a hell of a history. The bike was dismantled at one point and the engine was sold to a private owner. Somehow, the engine was eventually reunited with the original frame, and the motor was rebuilt. Since the reunion and engine work was completed, this bike did parade laps at the Isle of Man TT, Assen Classic TT, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. How often do you get a chance to say that you own a World Championship-winning Velocette?
There are really a bunch of fun ones in this auction (I feel bad about skipping over bikes like a AJS 7R Boy Racer, a Ducati 851 Lucchinelli Replica, several Norton Manx racers, a crated MV Agusta F4 Serie Oro, several Brough Superiors, an ex-Mike Hailwood Ducati 250cc racer, a 2 mile Ducati 996SPS, and a gorgeous Gilera VTE Gran Sport) but I just don’t have time to share all of the ones I loved. If you’re hankering for more, head on over to the full list of lots. If you had to pick one, what would you take home? I’d take the twin-engined Triumph racer.