STAFFORD.- The annual
Bonhams Stafford Sale of Pioneer, Vintage, and Collectors’ Motorcycles & Memorabilia yesterday achieved a total of 2,034,250.
The star lot of the sale, the ex-George Brough, Brough Superior SS100, made a fantastic result, realising 253,500 on an estimate of 140,000-180,000. Registered in 1939, the motorcycle was campaigned by George Brough himself in the London-Edinburgh Trial that same year.
The ex-Phil Vare 1929 Scott racing motorcycle, raced by Vare at the Isle of Man TT, sold for 31,050.
Ben Walker, Head of Motorcycles at Bonhams, said, "We are delighted with the results achieved for this long and well-established sale. The SS100 was a record price at auction for a Matchless engined example and the owner was truly astounded with the result achieved.
“Overall the sale was exceptional - and a real return to form. An outstanding 89% of lots were sold (91% by value), with many machines selling over estimate. Online bidding was strong with buyers from as far away as Australia and New Zealand - along with people in the auction room from, amongst other countries, Canada, America, France, Italy and Holland."
There were a number of great surprise results, with items far exceeding their estimates:
- Lot 233: 1972 MV Agusta 750S- estimated at 45,000-55,000; sold for 85,500
- Lot 173: c.1914 Henderson Model C- estimated at 40,000-60,000; sold for 79,900
- Lot 209: 1953 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow- estimated at 38,000-45,000, sold for 70,940
- Lot 245: Still in original crate, 'as new' condition, 1989 Ducati 888cc Lucchinelli Replica Racing Motorcycle- estimated at 14,000-18,000; sold for 37,950
- Lot 164: 1939 Brough Superior 990cc SS80 Project- estimated at 12,000-18,000; sold for 36,800
Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Group CEO and auctioneer at the Sale, commented, “New buyers and international bidding buoyed prices with a strong sell through rate. A new venue within the Show for the first time in 27 years gave greater comfort to bidders and a better viewing platform.
“The barometer of the international motorcycle market each year in April – at the Stafford International Classic MotorCycle show and the Bonhams auction - continues to show all the trends and indicators for this important collectors’ market - and the indicators are strong!”
