1982 500cc GP World Champion Brad Lackey started a new hobby after retiring from Grand Prix racing a year later—collecting and restoring vintage dirt bikes. His collection eventually grew to 50 motorcycles. Now, five of his bikes will be auctioned at the Mecum Monterey 2024 event from August 15 to 17.
Lackey went on to become an expert restorer, and the four motorcycles shown here are premium examples. “They’re 10-point concours bikes,” Lackey boasts. “They’re completely restored from ground-up with pretty much all the original equipment on them, even down to the nuts and bolts that are stamped with Bultaco on them that are 50 years old. All the rims and hubs are original; all the fiberglass is original. The only thing that’s not original is the cable grips, rubber seat cover—you know, stuff like that that could not be lasting for 50 years plus.”
Here are four early-1970s Spanish competition motorcycles Lackey has personally restored and is putting up for sale through Mecum Auctions.
1971 Ossa Stiletto. Featuring fiberglass bodywork and a 249cc two-stroke motor, this marque was also renowned for its enduro, observed trials, and flat track bikes. 1971 marked the first year the Stiletto had a five-speed transmission and larger fins for enhanced air-cooling. Estimated value: $35,000+
1973 Bultaco Astro 350. Bultaco made only 200 of these purpose-built flat-track bikes, and the 350 was a US-only model. The Pirelli tires are period correct, so it’s ready to hit the Astrodome short track it was named after. Estimated value: $25,000+
1973 Bultaco Pursang 250 Mk 6. Like the Astro, this Pursang motocrosser is restored using factory parts, down to the smallest detail. This model is nicknamed the Pickle Bike due to the distinctive shape of its chrome muffler. Estimated value: $18,000+
1974 Bultaco Pursang 250 Pomeroy Replica. Jim Pomeroy was a competitor of Lackey’s, and the first American to win a FIM World Championship Grand Prix. Pomeroy accomplished the feat in 1973 in the 250 class at the Spanish Grand Prix—the first time Bultaco won a motocross Grand Prix, and on its home turf. It was also Pomeroy’s first GP race. This Pomeroy Replica was produced the following year, the only factory replica motocrosser Bultaco ever built. Estimated value: $35,000+
Bidding for motorcycles in The Brad Lackey Collection at Mecum Monterey 2024 can be done in person, over the phone, or online.
