Vintage Motorcycles
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art, antiques, automobiles and yes classic motorcycles.
One of the most prestigious venues in Paris France, the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysées, was the setting for Bonhams’ first ever general sale of Collectors’ Motorcycles on the European continent last weekend (Saturday Feb. 5).
The result achieved, in a packed saleroom, was fantastic, with the Motorcycle section realizing € 375,705 ($508,629 USD) with 78% sold by lot.
Top prices were paid for a vintage 1955 Vincent 998cc motorcycle, which sold for €55,200 (&74,729 USD); a 1936 Brough Superior 982cc SS80, €44,850 ($60,717 USD); and a 2005 Orange County Chopper, €33,500 (45,352 USD).
Best-selling lots also included a 1999 MV Agusta 750cc F4 ‘Serie Oro’ superbike, with only 2,259 kilometers (1,403 miles) on its odometer, which fetched €36,800 ($49,819 USD); an unrestored barn find condition 1923 Motosacoche 500cc Sport bike, which made €23,000 ($31,137 USD); and a 1954 Parilla 175cc Turismo motorcycle, which sold for €16,100 ($21,796 USD).
Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams’ Motorcycle Department, comments after the sale: "Once again the values achieved for a Vincent and Brough were excellent – the demand from around the globe ensuring the prices remain buoyant. However we must also look at the results for the other marques – the MV, Motosacoche and Parilla all setting benchmark levels."
Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas.
