Bonhams return to the International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford on April 24th 2011 with one their of best-ever selections of motorcycles for auction.
The Ducati 999 F03 raced by Reuben Xaus for the factory team in the World Superbike Championship in 2003 and by Noriyuki Haga for Renegade Racing in 2004 (Lot 424: £70,000-80,000) is just one of the fabulous Ducati motorcycles on offer. Two other Ducatis previously owned by four-time World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty are expected to generate equal interest. A third motorcycle raced by Carl Fogarty is Lot 433, the ex-Honda Britain, Isle of Man Formula 1 and Senior TT-winning 1989 Honda 750cc RC30 (£50,000-70,000).
The ‘Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles’, Brough Superior is also represented in the sale with a 1934 SS100 example in excellent condition estimated to sell for £120,000-150,000.
The most expensive of a good selection of Pioneer motorcycles for sale is Lot 380, a c.1912 Indian 988cc Big Twin estimated at £20,000-24,000, while other examples include Lot 379, a 1902 Griffin 2½hp which has had four owners from new (£7,000-10,000) and Lot 381, a 1906 NSU 5½hp Touring model (£12,000-16,000).
Of particular interest to Vincent collectors is Lot 347: the sole factory prototype 1955 Vincent 499cc Victor Series D (£40,000-50,000).
The automobilia section of the sale contains several noteworthy collections. Lot 188 is an accumulation of motorcycle sport photographs covering in particular Brands Hatch from the grass-track days of 1946 up to 1950 when the first road-racing events took place. Other circuits covered include Haddenham, Blandford, Crystal Palace, Silverstone, Mallory Park, Biggin Hill and Lydden Hill. The remarkable collection is offered with copyright and is estimated to sell for £5,000-8,000.
Jeff Clew was one of this country’s leading motorcycling historians and participated in a wide range of motorcycle sports. His collection (Lots 99-136) includes a selection of motorcycle books, guides and gazettes with estimates ranging from £60 to £400.
The Stanley Woods Collection (Lots 203-244) includes photographs, helmets and other items previously owned by the ten-time Isle of Man TT winner who was also one of motorcycle racing’s bravest and most determined competitors.
Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams Motorcycles Department comments, “Not only is this auction one of world’s biggest sales of collectors' motorcycles it is also one of the most diverse. We are looking forward to what will be an extremely exciting day!”
[www.bonhams.com/motorcycles
