Craft-Cameron Super Eight Highlights Autumn Bonhams Sale
“Look! Speedmen, Hard Riders, and all such Sportsmen. At last you have the Ideal of your dreams. The Croft Anzani Super Eight.” – Croft Cameron (The Motor Cycle, March 1923)
The Croft-Cameron Super Eight was among one of the most sought-after big twins of the 1920s and 1930s. Though the company based out of Coventry, Britain, only lasted from 1923-1926, it made its mark.
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And the example above–a 1924 Croft-Cameron Super Eight (996cc)–is headed on the block October 16 during the Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground. The bike is expected to bring in $207,000 – $260,000.
James Stensel, Head of Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles says: “Our motorcycle dedicated sales are synonymous with the world’s finest machines of yesteryear. This autumn’s sale has attracted some truly remarkable entries including an exceedingly rare Croft-Cameron Super Eight with elegant lines and sporting prowess – a potent machine in the right hands.”
Besides the Croft-Cameron Super Eight, a few other super sport twins will be on the block: 1925 Zenith 981cc Super 8 (estimate $36,000-$44,000) featuring a JAP KTCY 4 cam engine from a Brough Superior SS80/100, and a 1937 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp Motorcycle Combination (estimate $71,000-$84,000), first owned by the Sheffield Police.
A Bonhams auction wouldn’t be complete without a rare Ducati, and the one highlighting the Autumn show is an “exceptionally rare” ex-works, NCR, Sports Motor Cycles, Roger Nicholls, Isle of Man TT Formula 1, 1977 Ducati 905cc Production Racing Motorcycle (estimate $71,000-$97,000).
Other race bikes include a restored Ex-Texaco Heron Team Suzuki—a 1976 Suzuki RG500 XR14 Racing Motorcycle previously owned by Grand Prix rider Rob Bron (estimate $58,000-$71,000).
Another highlight will be an extremely rare 1907 Vindec Special 5hp & Graham Brothers Sidecar (estimate $38,000-$51,000) – a bike from a little-known German maker that regularly draws the attention of collectors and enthusiasts across the UK.
Last but not least are the Vincent motorcycles. On the Autumn Stafford block is a 1946 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series-B (estimate $49,000-$58,000), which is believed to be the oldest complete and original post-war Vincent in existence.
Another notable Vincent is a 1948 Vincent-HRD 998cc Black Shadow Series-B (estimate $64,000-$77,000) is one of just 76 Series B Black Shadows produced, putting it on a par with the series A Rapide in terms of rarity.
Ben Walker, Bonhams International Departmental Director, says: “With such a diverse array of entries, we look forward to welcoming the international crowd to Stafford for what is set to be a memorable event.”
For additional information visit Bonhams.
Autumn Bonhams Stafford – Photo Gallery
