2012 Carmel Valley Bonhams Motorcycle Auction
Bonhams’ new, spacious venue on the western side of the verdant Quail Lodge grounds in sunny Carmel Valley, Calif., provided the ideal backdrop for the firm’s 15th annual motoring sale.
The first day of the two-day sale featured 57 motorcycles from three prominent international collections. Bidders participating from around the globe were treated to machines of diverse makes and models from every era of motorcycling.
The unprecedented trio of rare Crocker motorcycles from a single private European collection caused fervent interest among collectors worldwide and, after spirited bidding in the auction room and on the telephones, all three were bought by a private collector from Asia-Pacific. The Crockers all sold well within estimate at $291,000 for the 1937 “Blue” Small Tank, $302,000 for the “Red” Small Tank and $302,000 for the 1940 Big Tank.
Another impressive machine was the “time capsule” 1910 Pierce Four. Completely untouched and original down to the tires and spark plugs, the three-owners-from-new museum-worthy motorcycle brought $137,000 from a prominent collector in Europe.
The unique 1922 Motosacoche Twin formerly owned by Bud Ekins and painted by Von Dutch, offered from the Eddie Rickenbacker’s Café Collection from San Francisco, exceed estimate and sold to a noted California collector for $25,875. And of interesting note was the very uncommon and seldom seen 1956 Eysink Renata Tandem Moped, formerly owned by Otis Chandler, that exceeded estimate and made $8,050.
In all, over $1,700,000 was raised making the average value of lots sold $61,767, providing a energized start for the two-day event.
The Bonhams Motorcycle team Ben Walker, Nick Smith and Malcolm Barber, the Group CEO, commented that the motorcycle collectors’ market is strong and stable and are looking forward to the next US sale in Las Vegas in January following the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Auction at Stafford, UK, in October, with consignments now being accepted.
The second day of Bonhams’ sale, Friday, August 17th, featured an extraordinary collection of motorcars. To learn more about the cars or to find a complete list of results for the motorcycles, visit bonhams.com/quail.
