John Keeley Vintage British Motorcycles

Hidden from the public for the past 25 years, a collection of vintage British motorcycles owned by the late John Keeley will go on the block October 18 at Bonhams Stafford Sale 2015 (Staffordshire County Showground).

The John Keeley collection includes many rare British motorbikes from the early 1900s, and the interwar and post-war periods. The collection features many of the finest motorcycle marquees from Britain, including BSA, Velocette, Norton, Sunbeam, Ariel, Triumph, Douglas, Brough Superior, New Imperial and Zenith.

Speaking of the Keeley collection, James Stensel, Bonhams Head of Collectors’ Motorcycles, says: “To find so many unrestored motorcycles under one roof is incredibly rare. John had an appreciation for originality and an eye for quality; his 1928 Triumph 494cc Model P (estimate $6,000 – $8,000) has the most incredible patina, whilst his 1934 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50HP (estimate $46,000 – $76,000) retains its original and matching frame, engine, gearbox and associated accessories.”

Percy Austen, a close friend of Keley, says “John Keeley was born in Knowl Hill near Maidenhead, Berkshire. From a young age he developed a love of old machinery and started his working life in the village garage. John also took up motorcycle scrambling at the Bagshot and Hungry Hill courses, riding against many of the great names of that era.”

Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale takes place October 17-18 at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground.

For further information, visit Bonhams motorcycle department.