Bonhams: Oldest, Fastest, Best Motorcycles

Motorcycling History

A hugely varied collection of motorcycles of all shapes, sizes and types will be available to photograph on 23rd April at the Stafford County Showground, Stafford.

The motorcycles will all be on display prior to Bonhams ‘Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycles and Related Memorabilia’ auction which will take place on Sunday 25th April.

The Oldest Motorcycle: The undoubted highlight of the show is the Hildebrand and Wolfmuller – an example of the first motorcycle ever made, presented in totally original and unrestored condition. This ‘barn find’ motorcycle was created c.1894 in Munich and is estimated at £40,000-60,000 ($60,000 – $90,000 USD)

The Fastest Motorcycle: There is also theex-Francis Williams, Basil Keys Norton-JAP – a historic sprinting motorcycle with outstanding stature and competition pedigree. On this bike in 1959, Basil Keys broke the course record at Brighton, covering the standing-start kilometre in 21.59 seconds at an average speed of 103.61mph. It is estimated at £90,000-100,000.

The Best Motorcycle: The legendary superbike of motorcycling’s between-the-wars ‘Golden Age’, the Brough Superior is known as ‘The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles’. It is synonymous with high performance, engineering excellence and quality of finish. The example in this auction is estimated at £110,000-130,000.

The auction includes over 500 lots of motorcycles and related memorabilia.