BONHAMS STAFFORD MOTORCYCLE AUCTION REVS UP WITH A HOST OF EXCITING NEW CONSIGNMENTS

Six outstanding motorcycles from an important private collection are to feature in Bonhams next auction at the Classic Motorcycle Show in Stafford, on 29th April 2012.

This eclectic collection of six historically significant motorcycles has been assembled over the last few years by the enthusiast vendor, who wishes to remain anonymous. Kept in climate controlled conditions within the owner’s private museum, they range from an ultra-rare, fully restored 1928 Windhoff 750cc four-cylinder (estimate £90,000-120,000) to a ROC-Yamaha 500cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle of 1992 (estimate £25,000-35,000).

A racing motorcycle from a very different era, the collection’s 1931 Douglas 750cc sidecar outfit is believed to be one of only three examples of this works model built and thought to be that of Jack Douglas, grandson of company founder, William (estimate £35,000-45,000).

Two other great names in the history of the British motorcycle industry also feature in the sale – Brough Superior and Vincent – the former being represented by a 1934 996cc SS100 that previously formed part of the Murray Motorcycle Museum collection in the Isle of Man. Known as the ‘two of everything’ model because its JAP v-twin engine had two carburettors, two magnetos and two oil pumps, it is one of the rarest of SS100 variants with only eight made (£150,000-180,000).

The two Vincents span almost the entire period of v-twin production at the Stevenage factory. Previously forming part of the late Brian Verrall’s exceptional collection, the 1939 998cc Rapide Series A is one of only 50-or-so survivors out of fewer than 80 made (estimate £180,000-220,000), while the 1955 998cc Black Shadow is the last Series C example of this iconic model produced prior the introduction of the revised Series D range (estimate £70,000-100,000) .

200 machines are consigned to the sale and further highlights include:

A unique 1995 Ferrari 900cc Motorcycle by ‘David Kay Engineering’ (estimate £75,000-100,000);

c.1958 Benelli 248cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle (estimate Refer Department)

The ex-Takazumi Katayama, World Championship-winning, 1977 Yamaha YSK3 ‘Sankito’ 350cc Racing Motorcycle – part of the Ferry Brouwer Collection (estimate £50,000-60,000)

The ex-Dick Hawes, 1996 Busch-BMW 980cc Racing Sidecar Outfit (estimate £55,000-65,000)

The ex-Mission Impossible III, c.2005 Triumph 865cc Bonneville Scrambler – as ridden by Tom Cruise (estimate £12,000-15,000)

Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams Motorcycle department, comments, “The Spring Stafford sale is one of our premier collectors’ motorcycle sales of the year and once again we’re proud to present an eclectic and diverse selection of fine machinery, from early Pioneers through to modern era Grand Prix – and everything in between.”

Motorcycles (London): +44 (0) 8700 273 616 / motorcycles@bonhams.com

For further press information and images please contact Katherine Boyle on 0207 468 8363 or Katherine.boyle@bonhams.com / press@bonhams.com

Notes for Editors
Bonhams
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com