2014 Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycle Auction
A new auction-sales record was set during the annual Bonhams Stafford Sale of Pioneer, Vintage, and Collectors’ Motorcycles & Memorabilia.
The entire sale, which achieved a total of £2,034,250 ($3.41 million), was highlighted by a Brough Superior SS100 once owned by George Brough. This sold for a record £253,500 ($426,184) on an estimate of £140,000-180,000 ($235,000-302,000).
Registered in 1939, the motorcycle was campaigned by George Brough himself in the London-Edinburgh Trial that same year. Another big seller was the ex-Phil Vare 1929 Scott racing motorcycle, which Vare races at the Isle of Man TT. The Scott sold for £31,050 ($52,201).
Ben Walker, Head of Motorcycles at Bonhams, says: “We are delighted with the results achieved for this long and well-established sale. The SS100 was a record price at auction for a Matchless engined example and the owner was truly astounded with the result achieved.
“Overall the sale was exceptional – and a real return to form. An outstanding 89 percent of lots were sold (91 percent by value), with many machines selling over estimate. Online bidding was strong with buyers from as far away as Australia and New Zealand – along with people in the auction room from, amongst other countries, Canada, America, France, Italy and Holland.”
There were a number of great surprise results, with items far exceeding their estimates:
- Lot 233: 1972 MV Agusta 750S- estimated at £45,000-55,000; sold for £85,500
- Lot 173: c.1914 Henderson Model C- estimated at £40,000-60,000; sold for £79,900
- Lot 209: 1953 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow- estimated at £38,000-45,000, sold for £70,940
- Lot 245: Still in original crate, ‘as new’ condition, 1989 Ducati 888cc Lucchinelli Replica Racing Motorcycle- estimated at £14,000-18,000; sold for £37,950
- Lot 164: 1939 Brough Superior 990cc SS80 Project- estimated at £12,000-18,000; sold for £36,800
Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Group CEO and auctioneer at the Sale, says: “New buyers and international bidding buoyed prices with a strong sell through rate. A new venue within the Show for the first time in 27 years gave greater comfort to bidders and a better viewing platform.
“The barometer of the international motorcycle market each year in April – at the Stafford International Classic MotorCycle show and the Bonhams auction – continues to show all the trends and indicators for this important collectors’ market – and the indicators are strong!”
For additional information, visit bonhams.com.
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