Vincent White Shadow at Bonhams – Photos
The sixth annual Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction achieved nearly $5 million in sales – Bonham’s highest grossing sale ever in Sin City. And one bike topped them all during the January 7 show at Bally’s Hotel & Casino – a beautifully restored 1951 Vincent Series C White Shadow.
This Vincent – a one-of-one 1951 Vincent White Shadows built in Chinese Red – was the standout as the Bonhams sale that achieved $4.8 million in sales.
A bidding war began between a buyer in Australia and another from Great Britain, but the Brit won, taking the bike for $434,000 – a new world record for a Vincent Shadow model.
The Stevenage, England- made Vincent Motorcycles ruled Bonhams Las Vegas – the next five highest sellers were also Vincents: a one-owner-from-new 1955 Vincent Series D Black Prince ($164,500); a 1948 Vincent Series B Black Shadow ($150,000); a 1953 Vincent Series C Black Shadow ($140,000); a 1951 Vincent Series C Black Shadow ($137,000); and a 1954 Vincent Series C Black Shadow ($125,000).
Other highlights include 1977 MV Agusta 750 S America, with just 41 original miles, that made $120,500; a Brough Superior SS80 (fitted with a Matchless engine to SS100 specification) that was bought for $120,500; and the rare early American motorcycle, the 1910 Royal Pioneer, that was sold for $115,000.
“It’s obvious from the results that the rare, unusual and original machines stand out and that people are willing to invest $100,000+ on good quality motorcycles. One of the auction’s darlings was the incredibly original 1911 Triumph 3 ½ HP 500,” says Nick Smith, Bonhams US Head of Motorcycles.
“Owned for many years by a southern California gentleman who left it to his son when he passed away, who in turn left it to his brother when he passed away, the machine had a spectacular level of patina and originality and garnered more interest than just about anything else in the sale. An aggressive low estimate and ‘no reserve’ listing brought worldwide attention and a sale price of over $20,000.”
For a complete list of results from Las Vegas, please visit Bonhams.com/vegas.