Tag Archives: Bonhams

Motorcycle News, News

UK motorcycle museum collection for auction

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Here’s your chance to own some amazing motorcycle memorabilia including helmets owned by famous racers such as Mike Hailwood, Joe Dunlop and Marco Simoncelli.

The contents of the Phil Morris Road Racing Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of motorcycle racing memorabilia and motorcycle spares is to be offered by Bonhams in an online auction from Monday April 18 to May 3.

Phil was a schoolboy trials racer who graduated to four-wheels competing in the RAC Rally.

He is known in British racing circles as a sponsor and team owner and started collecting motorcycle memorabilia in the 1970s.

In 2001 added machines to the mix when he bought back his first Ariel.

Phil set up a dedicated space for the collection in 2007 when it had outgrown his home and his then wife’s patience. Forty to sixty people would visit every Thursday until the doors closed with the first lockdown last year.

His collection is one of the world’s largest arrays of rare sets of spares, matching helmets and leathers for the GP bikes, Moto 2 and Moto 3 motorcycles, raced, worn and won by some of the most famous names on two wheels, such as Phil Read, Joey Dunlop, Mike Hailwood and Kenny Roberts.

More than 330 lots are offered in the online sale, running from Phil’s Museum in Oswestry, dubbed ‘The Church’ by Isle of Man TT rider Rob Barber.

2017 Touratech Travel, Challenge and Expo at Bright in Victoria on April 1 and 2

The auction follows the successful sale of racing motorcycles in Phil’s collection in the 2021 Autumn Stafford Sale.

Highlights of the sale include:

Click here for the catalogue.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rare Italian bikes highlight of auction

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If you are a lover of rare Italian motorcycles and have overseas holiday money burning a hole in your wallet, the Bonhams Autumn Sale next month (9-10 October 2021) will no doubt be a temptation.

It features a collection of more than 40 motorcycles owned by the late acclaimed German film critic Hans Schifferle, including many rare Italian bikes led by my personal favourite, the 1974 Ducati 750 SS.

However, you will need to have a good line of credit or money in the bank as it is estimated to fetch between $A170,000 and $A245,000.

If that doesn’t scare you off, you should still check out our tips to make sure you don’t get caught out buying a dud or spending too much.

Auctions can be a fun experience and you can land yourself a real bargain. However, there are many pitfalls as well.

Click here to read our tips on buying at auction.

Ok, so now you know the advantages and pitfalls of auctions, let’s tempt you with some rare bikes owned by motorcycle connoisseur Hans Schifferle who died in March.

Hans Schifferle with his collection

Has and his wife, Gudrun, and friend, the former Grand Prix racer Helmut Lichtenberg, visited many of Europe’s  “autojumbles” at Imola, Mannheim, Stuttgart and Nuremberg to secure rare parts for his restorations.

Helmut did most of the work having run the classic motorcycle division at Schmid Höhenkirchen where Hans bought many of his bikes.

Hans ensured he rode all his bikes at least 3000km a year to keep them in top mechanical order.

His collection not only includes are Italian gems, but also some British and American models.

My all-time favourite, the 1974 Ducati 750 SS, is the most expensive of the lot.

1974 Ducati 750 SS
1974 Ducati 750 SS

It is the model that powered Paul Smart to victory at the Imola 200 in 1972.

The Ducati 750 SS featured central-axle forks, Brembo front brakes and a cockpit faring.

This 1974 launch year motorcycle was acquired by Schifferle 2002 and has correct numbers and stamps.

1973 MV Agusta 750 GT
1973 MV Agusta 750 GT

Another ultra-rare Italian highlight is the 1973 MV Agusta 750 GT estimated to fetch up to $A95,000.

Only 50 models in white and bronze were sold due to its initial high price tag.

This bike is one of the most sought-after MV roadsters and one of few not modified or converted into a ‘special’.

Other highlights include a 1941 Indian 1,279cc Four (up to $A95,000), a 1955 Vincent 998CC Black Knight (up to $A68,000), a circa 1973 Slater ‘Egli-Vincent’ 998cc (up to $A68,000) and a relatively cheap 1956 Harley Davidson KH (up to $A15,000).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rare British GP racing bike up for auction

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An extremely rare 1940s AJS 497cc E90 ‘Porcupine’ Grand Prix racing motorcycle is being offered for the first time at auction and expected to fetch as much as $US425,000.

The bike, previously owned by post-war AJS works rider Ted Frend, will be a highlight of the Bonhams Summer Stafford Sale on 2 July, 2021.

The first 500cc World Championship in 1949 was won by an E90 piloted by Frend’s fellow works rider Les Graham. It was his and AJS’s first and only world title.

It was dubbed the Porcupine by the era’s motorcycle press due to its distinctive spiked ‘head’ finning.

Only a handful of E90s were built by the British firm, purely for its works team.

Frend, who earned a gold star at Brooklands for lapping its outer circuit at more than 100mph (160km/h) on his Vincent-HRD Rapide, was signed up by AJS in 1947 after his fourth place finish in that year’s Isle of Man TT.

He was the first rider to win on the Porcupine at the 1947 Hutchinson 100 race.

Dunholme Lodge Airfield, 1947, 100-Mile Hutchinson Race
Dunholme Lodge Airfield, 1947, 100-Mile Hutchinson Race

Development on the E90 continued over the next couple of years, while the motorcycle picked up 18 world speed records and a number of podium finishes before reaching its 1949 zenith. Graham won two of the six championship races, the Swiss and Ulster Grand Prix, securing the rider’s trophy, while teammate Bill Doran rode to victory in Belgium to ensure AJS’ manufacturer’s title.

Despite its successes, the E90 was plagued by various problems concerning carburetion and its magneto – a magneto shaft failure caused Graham to retire from the 1949 Isle of Man Senior TT, which he was leading, two minutes from the finish. In 1952, its successor, the E95, was introduced, with a revised engine and new frame. Although the spikes disappeared the Porcupine name stuck. The E95 had a dream debut, with a one-two finish in the season-opening Swiss Grand Prix.

Between 1949 and 1954, the Porcupine, in E90 and E95 guise, finished 24 races, securing five wins, seven 2nd places and one World Championship. Ted commented that “for its day, the Porcupine had lots of potential, but its development did not keep pace with the opposition.” In total, only four complete E90 and four E95 motorcycles were produced, along with an unknown number of spare engines.

Ted Frend, who left the AJS team in 1950, also finished his racing career in 1954 to concentrate on his sheet metal business. He maintained that the Porcupine’s glory year was 1949, not just for its World Championship win, but also for holding its own against the more powerful rival Gileras and early MV motorcycles. He said: “At Spa, I managed third place, splitting the Gileras. Masetti, Pagani [Gilera riders] and I were the first to average over 100mph for a full Grand Prix.”

The motorcycle offered was found as a collection of parts in the estate of Ted Frend when he died in 2006. It was his friend and neighbour Ken Senior who acquired the Porcupine and other motorcycle-related possessions from the executors, including Ted’s TT trophies, also offered in the Summer Stafford Sale. Senior oversaw the Porcupine’s rebuild, with missing parts custom made.

Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles International Department Director Ben Walker says  only two other examples have been offered for sale publicly, both of which Bonhams sold for world record prices at the time.

“With the few known examples being in the world-famous Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum or in the possession of private collectors, this is an extremely exciting, once in a generation opportunity to buy a much coveted and sought-after machine,” he says.

The Porcupine leads the Ken Senior Collection of 90 plus motorcycles which are among 650 lots at the auction, including collector motorcycles, bicycles, spares and memorabilia 2 to 4 July, 2021.

Other highlights include a 1940 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50HP (£60,000 – 75,000) and the Ron Cody Collection of 48 motorcycles, mostly MV Agustas, a significant Norton collection.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News, Uncategorized

‘Aussie’ Barry Sheene mementos at auction

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There should be a lot of interest among Aussie race fans for an auction of memorabilia belonging to beloved Brit and adopted Aussie Barry Sheene.

The two-time Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion and all-round larrikin was well loved in his adopted country where he died in 2003 from throat cancer.

Now some famous Bazza memorabilia is going up for auction at the Bonhams Winter Sale on 11-12 December 2020. The auction also includes many rare and collectable motorcycles.

The many Bazza items on offer would make a great Christmas present for the Aussie motorcycle fan who has everything.

They include:

  • 1976 John Player Grand Prix Senior 500cc race winner’s trophy, estimate £600-800 (about $A630-910). It consists of a sword mounted to a wooden backing. 
  • A Castrol trophy for first in the MCN Super Bike round at Mallory Park 12 September 1976. (£400–600).
  • Plaque for first in the 500cc ‘Gran Prix de Venezuela’ at San Carlos 19 March 1978, 19cm x 14cm; together with three other awards including a Martini ‘rider of the year 1977’ belt buckle inscribed to the rear specifically manufactured for Barry Sheene (£300-500).
  • A stainless steel Gabriel watch awarded at the ‘France de Chimay’ race in 1976 (£300 – £500).
  • Two sets of Suzuki team overalls and bib and brace (£250-350).
  • ‘The Sheene Collection’ leather jacket (£400 – 600/$A$ 720-1100) and a medium fabric jacket with badges and logos (£400-600).
  • A leather holdall featuring his famous number ‘7’, ‘Sheene’ to the end and ‘Suzuki’ logo to the ends and sides (£250 – 350).

Bazza history

Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene

Barry was born in London in 1950, and was back-to-back world 500cc champion for Suzuki in 1976-77 after a spectacular crash at the Daytona 200 in 1975.

He almost died in the crash that would have ended many other riders’ careers, yet he came back stronger than ever and more determined to win.

Barry was also instrumental in many safety developments with track design and racer clothing. 

Between 1968 and 1984, Sheene made over 100 Grand Prix starts, securing 52 podium finishes and 23 victories and remains the last Briton to win a motorcycle Grand Prix race. 

Read this industry vet’s tribute to the late, great Barry Sheene.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Benellis shatter auction records

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Two 250cc Benelli Grand Prix racing motorcycles have broken the auction world records for the marque at the live and online Bonhams Summer Sale last Sunday (16 August 2020).

The auction was held at Bicester Heritage rather than at the International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford, due to government guidelines on COVID-19.

Lots ranged from exotic racing grand prix machinery of the twice-delayed Morbidelli Motorcycle Collection to motorcycle spares and memorabilia.

The auction was Bonham’s most successful motorcycle sale to date, achieving a total of £3.67 million over three days.

Benelli records

auction Records
1964 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix (left) and 1950 Benelli 250cc GP bike

A 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix motorcycle, ridden to world championship victory by Dario Ambrosini, was the first to set the new record.

It sold for £138,000 (about $A252,500).

Minutes later that record was shattered by its stablemate, a 1964 250cc Grand Prix machine winner of that year’s Spanish Grand Prix, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini.

It sold for £149,500 ($A273,560), the top lot of the weekend’s sale.

They were part of a collection of motorcycle gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli.

It was be the largest single private collection of motorcycles yet offered by Bonhams.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
Giancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. auction Records

Another record was set at the summer sale was with a concours 1979 Ducati 864CC Mike Hailwood Replica, a landmark model paying homage to ‘Mike the Bike’s’ historic Isle of Man comeback victory in the 1978 Production Race.

It sold for £36,800, a new UK auction record for this particular model.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Bonhams motorcycle auction bonanza

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If you ever wanted to buy a classic motorcycle or bike-related memorabilia at auction, the Bonhams three-day bike bonanza could be your best opportunity.

Their Summer Sale bonanza will be held at Bicester Heritage from 14 to 16 August, 2020, rather than at the International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford, due to government guidelines on COVID-19.

So, for the first time the sale will be held over three days, showcasing more than 100 years of design and manufacture.

Lots range from exotic racing grand prix machinery of the twice-delayed Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum Collection to motorcycle spares and memorabilia.

With estimates varying from £80 ($A145) to £400,000 ($A730,000), the sale will offer something for everyone. Seventy-five per cent of the lots are to be offered without reserve.

Email [email protected] to book a pre-sale viewing appointment or [email protected] to register to bid online, telephone or to leave an absentee bid.

Bike bonanza schedule

Day 1, Spares and Memorabilia, Friday 14 August 10am GMTBonhams bike bonanza

More than 200 lots of spares and memorabilia, to be offered entirely without reserve.

A treasure trove of early 20thCentury posters, beautifully designed enamel signs, vintage rider apparel and rare motorcycle spares (including frames and engines)will set the pace for one of the largest motorcycle sales to date.

Day 2, Motorcycles Saturday 15 August 10.00 BST (Lots 301 – 462)Bonhams bike bonanza

Lots offered will include several important machines from the early ‘Pioneer Period’ of motorcycling.

The 1909 Minerva 3½hp with Wicker Sidecar (£25,000 – 35,000) is well known within the motorcycle fraternity, having regularly taken part in the prestigious London to Brighton Pioneer Run and benefited from restoration work by J W Tennant-Eyles in the 1980s.

Bonhams are synonymous with the sale of golden-era V-Twins and the 1927 Matchless 982cc M3/S Sports Solo (£28,000 – 35,000) together with the 1928 Montgomery 680cc ‘Twin Five’ (£25,000 – 35,000) are both exceedingly rare Vintage examples, both eligible for the infamous VMCC Banbury Run, where the latter was a concours award-winner in 2004.

The 1935 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 (£65,000 – 80,000),‘The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles’ needs no introduction and this matching-numbers example has been in enthusiast-ownership since 2000, having been restored by Dave Clark in the late 1990s

Following the demise of the British motorcycle industry in the late 1960’s a plethora of Italian and Japanese manufactures began producing incredibly well engineered multi-cylinder motorcycles, and Bonhams are proud to be offering several important landmark variants:

1974 MV Agusta 750S (£60,000 – 70,000), a shaft driven four-cylinder mechanical-marvel, developed alongside a long line of highly successful grand prix racers.

Honda’s outrageous six-cylinder 1979 Honda CBX1000 Super Sport  (£6000 – 10,000 NO RESERVE) which few bikes can match for charisma, visual appeal and, above all, sound.

One owner, 124 miles from new 1999 MV Agusta 750cc F4 ‘Serie Oro’ (£28,000 – 35,000) arguably one of the most beautifully designed motorcycles of modern times.

Day 3, The Morbidelli Collection, Sunday 16 August, 10.00 BST (Lots 501 – 704)

Bonhams bike bonanza

The highlight of The Summer Sale, with more than 200 motorcycles offered from the stable of the late Giancarlo Morbidelli, lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and the man behind the fabled Morbidelli MotoGP manufacturer.

The Morbidelli collection charts the development of over 65 different manufactures including scooters, some of the most exotic racing grand prix machinery extant and several important Moto Giro d’Italia entrants.

Highlights include:

In accordance with current government guidelines, The Summer Sale will be conducted ‘behind closed doors, with online, telephone and absentee bidding offered.

However, all lots will be on view in advance of the sale in person, strictly by appointment, in Hanger 113 at Bicester Heritage, with full social distancing measures in place.

Viewing Times: 

  • Wednesday 12 August 13.00 to 17.00
  • Thursday 13 August 09.00 to 17.00
  • Friday 14 August 09.00 to 17.00
  • Saturday 15 August 09.00 to 17.00 (Lots 501-704 only)

Click HERE to view the full online lot listing

Click HERE to view the printed catalogue

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Third go at Morbidelli race bike auction

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A collection of motorcycles gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli will finally go to auction after twice being postponed.

The world-class selection of 200 post-war road and racing motorcycles from the celebrated Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy, was to be sold at the annual Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 18-20 October 2019.

However, that auction was postponed due to a delay in the administrative process concerning the export of the machines.

It was then scheduled for 25-26 April 2020, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The bikes will now be the centrepiece of the Bonhams Summer Sale taking place on 14-16 August at Bicester Heritage.

It will be the largest single private collection of motorcycles yet offered by Bonhams.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
Giancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. 

Morbidelli highlights

Two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection, largely designed and built by Giancarlo, were fabricated by a small, dedicated team in a corner of the Morbidelli woodworking factory. 

These proved to be ‘giant killers’ seeing off international corporations to claim the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship in three consecutive years: 1975, ‘76 and ‘77, as well as winning the 250cc world title in 1977. 

“He was a genius with bikes,” says Gianni.

“He did everything by himself, working in a very small room. 

“Forty years ago, he laid the foundation of this incredible museum, spending a lot of effort, time, energy and money. 

“One part of the museum is dedicated to the period between the end of the 1960s to the 1980s when he built racing motorcycles. It’s our family heritage, a part of our life, but we thought it would be correct to include in the sale two Morbidelli motorcycles that my father built.”

The 1974 Morbidelli 125cc Grand Prix motorcycle is estimated to fetch up to £120,000 ($A214,500).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1974 Morbidelli 125

It was raced by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix.

A 250cc machine designed for 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, and came second at Misano is estimated to fetch up £100,000 ($A179,000).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
Agostini’s 1976 Moridelli 250

However, the Morbidelli family will retain ownership of the majority of the Morbidelli Grand Prix motorcycles, including the world championship winning 125cc and 250cc examples, raced respectively by Paoli Pileri, Pierpaolo Bianchi and Lego Mario.

Benelli features

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1942 Benelli 250 GP supercharged

Not surprisingly, the Morbidelli Museum collection in the sale features a strong showing of Benelli motorcycles which were also a great passion of Giancarlo, coming from Pesaro, where this great historic brand was also founded.  

One of the most interesting examples of the marque on offer is the 1942 250cc supercharged 4-cylinder example that could fetch more than £600,000 ($A1m).

This racing machine never actually raced. It was built just in time for motorcycle racing to be stopped due to the war, while supercharging was banned by the FIM in post-war years.

Giancarlo had a personal relationship and friendship with the Benelli family and so was able to procure the original parts which he rebuilt into a fully-functioning motorcycle.

Other Benellis to be offered include:Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

  • 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle – the world championship motorcycle ridden to victory by Dario Ambrosini. Estimate £120,000 – 180,000.
  • 1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero – believed raced by Dorino Serafini, one of only three in the world. Estimate £40,000 – 60,000.
  • 1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini. Estimate £80,000 – 120,000.

Ducati jewel

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale
1964 Ducati 125cc

Another jewel of the Morbidelli Collection is the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), another GP racing machine which never raced. Created by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s chief engineer, this motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the mythical motorcycle.

Alongside the pristine restorations, there are several unfinished projects in the sale, offering the opportunity to restore these machines as Giancarlo was hoping to.

The collection also comprises motorcycling memorabilia including Giancarlo’s own reference library, original drawings, trophies, signage and other artefacts, giving a complete picture of the museum and the motorcycling world.  Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric LiveWire aids pandemic recovery

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Harley-Davidson has donated a customised electric LiveWire motorcycle autographed by the Davidson family to be auctioned to raise funds for the United Way Worldwide COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.

The special edition LiveWire also has custom paint and carbonfibre accessories including screen, tail and tank trim.

It is being auctioned online at bonhams.com with auction fees waived. The auction ends on Tuesday 26 May 2020 at 4pm (EST).

The custom LiveWire is #500 of 500 “First Strike” edition LiveWires.

These are specially numbered versions created to celebrate the first 500 units produced of Harley-Davidson’s first production electric motorcycle.

“The Harley-Davidson design team created the custom paint and graphics on this motorcycle to accentuate the natural forms of the LiveWire,” Bekefy says.

“It’s a stunning motorcycle that is truly one of a kind.”

While the auction is available for participants from around the world, the motorcycle can only be registered and retained in the US.

The winning bidder and their guest will take part in an exclusive delivery experience and “behind-the-scenes” Harley-Davidson tour.

This private, hosted experience will include a tour of the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Centre and an archival tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Harley-Davidson museum in MilwaukeeHarley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee

United Way to recovery

United Way’s mission is to aid those on the frontlines and those who are affected by this crisis around the world.

Harley spokesman Jon Bekefy says the company is a “longtime partner of the United Way”.

“(We are) inspired by their continued resilience in this crisis,” he says.

“Harley-Davidson is honoured to play a small part in the relief effort to inspire our community around the world about the open road ahead.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Last Vincent Rapide headlines auction

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This Vincent Rapide, believe to be one of the first Series-A Rapide’s manufactured and possibly the last Vincent-HRD motorcycle to leave the factory in 1959, will headline the Bonhams Summer Stafford Sale in August.

It was used as a factory demonstrator, Vincent Director’s mount and a road test star.

The Series-A 998cc twin was evolved in 1936, with the apocryphal tale of the design being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped. Production of the model began in 1936 for the 1937 season, and ended when war broke out in 1939. Vincent-HRD’s sales brochure for 1938 described the Rapide:

The performance is electric. Power appears almost limitless, yet it is so smooth and controllable that it is a delight to ride, even in thick traffic. There is only one snag we have discovered in owning a “Rapide.” You never get a scrap with another machine, because no ordinary motor cycle can live with a “Rapide.” Here at last is a performance equal to the fastest T.T. models, coupled with silence, comfort, and tractability. A true Jekyll and Hyde.

With a top speed of 110mph, The Series-A Rapide was the fastest production vehicle when launched. Only 78 examples were manufactured, and approximately 50 examples are believed to survive worldwide.

Registered DUR 142, it was retained by the factory as a demonstrator and for promotional purposes. Accordingly, it was loaned to Motor Cycling in April 1938 to be road tested. The machine was taken to Brooklands for speed tests and was subsequently timed at 102 mph.

RapideDUR 142 Clocked 102mph at Brooklands – Motor Cycling April 1938 (© Mortons Archive)

DUR 142 reappeared in 1955, when Vincent-HRD production ceased, and Motor Cycling covered the sad event by testing the last machine off the line, together with DUR 142 which they described as ‘one of “The First” Series “A” ’

rapideDecember 1955 ‘The Last of the Vincents’ Motor Cycling road test (© Mortons Archive)

The opportunity seldom arises to obtain a Series-A Rapide. Even rarer still, is the opportunity to acquire one with such historical significance. This particular motorcycle has seen service as a factory demonstrator, Vincent Director’s mount, road test star (twice) and was often photographed as the publicity vehicle for one of the most celebrated British motorcycle marques.

Mark Garside, Bonhams Motorcycle and Motor car Representative for the Northern Counties and Scotland commented:

It is particularly gratifying to bring an historic machine such as DUR 142 back into public notice after over half a century of hibernation. Machines such as this come to market very rarely, and it has taken years of patience to successfully consign this particular motorcycle.

Alongside the Vincent-HRD and the Morbidelli Collection, the Summer Stafford Sale will offer a superb range of pre-war ‘golden era’ British motorcycles, including:

1935 BROUGH SUPERIOR 982CC SS80, estimate £65,000 – 80,000

One of 300 surviving (of 460 produced) Matchless-engined SS80s, so-called due to its guaranteed 80mph top speed in road trim. Offered in excellent condition, having been the subject of a ‘nut and bolt’ restoration by top specialist Dave Clark, and featured in The Classic MotorCycle (Sept 2006 edition).

1927 MATCHLESS 982CC M3/S SPORTS SOLO, estimate £28,000-35,000

Rare and charismatic Vintage-era v-twin sports model, featuring Matchless’ own 982cc 50-degree v-twin engine.

1928 MONTGOMERY 680CC TWIN FIVE, estimate £25,000 – 35,000

Another Vintage-era v-twin rarity, the Montgomery was powered by J A Prestwich’s 680cc side valve v-twin engine, and was a direct competitor to the Brough Superior 5-15, although much rarer today. The Montgomery was professionally restored in the early 2000s, has been used extensively on runs (including pillion), and went on to win the ‘Concours Award’ at the 2004 Banbury Run.

OFFERED DIRECTLY FROM THE ESTATE OF THE LATE LES WILLIAMS, 

1930 AJS 346CC R7 RACING MOTORCYCLE, estimate £25,000 – 35,000

Les Williams was the famous manager of Triumph’s factory works racing team with numerous victories in the 60s and 70s, and co-creator of ‘Slippery Sam’, winner of five consecutive TT production races. Surprisingly perhaps, his own collection comprised rival British marques – including this 1930 AJS 350cc, ridden to 10th place in the 1930 Manx Grand Prix Junior Race.

Other highlights include:

1916 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1000CC MODEL J & PACKAGE TRUCK SIDECAR, estimate £ 25,000 – 35,000

This Model J was sold new in 1916 with the Package Truck option, a commercial-load carrier which was a runaway success and would remain in production for 42 years. Fully restored five years ago, this example also has the optional three-speed gearbox and electric lighting system and is offered with an additional Harley-Davidson sports sidecar.

 

1909 MINERVA 3½HP WITH WICKER SIDECAR, estimate £ 25,000 – 35,000

This sublime motorcycle from the premier European manufacturer is offered from an important private collection and is a regular entrant in the world-famous Sunbeam Motorcycle Club Pioneer Run.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Morbidelli collection finally goes to auction

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A collection of motorcycles gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli will be offered for sale at auction on 25-26 April 2020.

The collection was to be sold at the annual Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 18-20 October 2019.

However, the auction was postponed due to a delay in the administrative process concerning the export of the machines.

“All necessary export licences for motorcycles have been requested by Bonhams in accordance with Italian law,” a Bonhams spokeswoman says.

With more than 300 motorcycles, the Morbidelli Collection from Pesaro, Italy, will be the largest single private collection of motorcycles yet offered by Bonhams.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for saleGiancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles. 

Morbidelli highlights

Two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection, largely designed and built by Giancarlo, were fabricated by a small, dedicated team in a corner of the Morbidelli woodworking factory. 

These proved to be ‘giant killers’ seeing off international corporations to claim the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship in three consecutive years: 1975, ‘76 and ‘77, as well as winning the 250cc world title in 1977. 

“He was a genius with bikes,” says Gianni.

“He did everything by himself, working in a very small room. 

“Forty years ago, he laid the foundation of this incredible museum, spending a lot of effort, time, energy and money. 

“One part of the museum is dedicated to the period between the end of the 1960s to the 1980s when he built racing motorcycles. It’s our family heritage, a part of our life, but we thought it would be correct to include in the sale two Morbidelli motorcycles that my father built.”

The 1974 Morbidelli 125cc Grand Prix motorcycle is estimated to fetch up to £120,000 ($A214,500).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1974 Morbidelli 125

It was raced by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix.

A 250cc machine designed for 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, and came second at Misano is estimated to fetch up £100,000 ($A179,000).

Nieto Morbidelli collection for saleAgostini’s 1976 Moridelli 250

However, the Morbidelli family will retain ownership of the majority of the Morbidelli Grand Prix motorcycles, including the world championship winning 125cc and 250cc examples, raced respectively by Paoli Pileri, Pierpaolo Bianchi and Lego Mario.

Benelli features

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1942 Benelli 250 GP supercharged

Not surprisingly, the Morbidelli Museum collection in the sale features a strong showing of Benelli motorcycles which were also a great passion of Giancarlo, coming from Pesaro, where this great historic brand was also founded.  

One of the most interesting examples of the marque on offer is the 1942 250cc supercharged 4-cylinder example that could fetch more than £600,000 ($A1m).

This racing machine never actually raced. It was built just in time for motorcycle racing to be stopped due to the war, while supercharging was banned by the FIM in post-war years.

Giancarlo had a personal relationship and friendship with the Benelli family and so was able to procure the original parts which he rebuilt into a fully-functioning motorcycle.

Other Benellis to be offered include:Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

  • 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle – the world championship motorcycle ridden to victory by Dario Ambrosini. Estimate £120,000 – 180,000.
  • 1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero – believed raced by Dorino Serafini, one of only three in the world. Estimate £40,000 – 60,000.
  • 1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini. Estimate £80,000 – 120,000.

Ducati jewel

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale1964 Ducati 125cc

Another jewel of the Morbidelli Collection is the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), another GP racing machine which never raced. Created by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s chief engineer, this motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the mythical motorcycle.

Alongside the pristine restorations, there are several unfinished projects in the sale, offering the opportunity to restore these machines as Giancarlo was hoping to.

The collection also comprises motorcycling memorabilia including Giancarlo’s own reference library, original drawings, trophies, signage and other artefacts, giving a complete picture of the museum and the motorcycling world.  Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com