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Classic records tumble at Stafford
A total of SEVEN world record prices were broken at the classic bike auction at the International Classic Motorcycle Show at Stafford at the weekend.
Words by: Phil West
Last updated on 25 April 2018 | 0 min read
A 1931 Brough Superior sold for over £264,000 a Munch Mammut went for in excess of £154,000 and a 1973 MV Agusta 750 changed hands for a whopping £96,000+ - the latter two both records for their respective models.
They were just three of over 200 classic lots offered at the event which in total achieved sales worth a total of £3,376,045. Organized by London-based auctioneers Bonhams, the 'Spring Sale' is traditionally one of the largest of the classic calendar. The star lot of the event was the Brough, a 981cc SS100 which made well in excess of its £170-£220K estimate after a lengthy, six-way bidding battle. What's more, the proceeds are all set to go to charity, split between the Search and Rescue Dog Association, the RNLI and the Salvation Army. For Bonhams, James Stensel said: "We were incredibly honored to have been appointed to sell such a special machine. The result exceeded all expectations and demonstrates the strength of the Brough Superior market and the length bidders will go to support such worthy causes." Other highlights of the sale included: a 1974 Ducati 750SS which sold for a massive £106,780, which was three times its pre-sale estimate; a 1923 Nimbus 746cc Four which went for £55,200 against an estimate of £12,000-16,000, and a 1930 Coventry-Eagle 996cc Flying-8 Model F150 Police which sold for £68,700 against an estimate of £40,000-50,000. Also in the sale was the 42-bike inventory of collector Miklos Salamon. Every one of his bikes sold, the star lots being a 1950 Vincent 998cc 'Chinese Red' Touring Rapide (which sold for £68,700) and a 1940 Indian 78ci Four (£68,700).
They were just three of over 200 classic lots offered at the event which in total achieved sales worth a total of £3,376,045. Organized by London-based auctioneers Bonhams, the 'Spring Sale' is traditionally one of the largest of the classic calendar. The star lot of the event was the Brough, a 981cc SS100 which made well in excess of its £170-£220K estimate after a lengthy, six-way bidding battle. What's more, the proceeds are all set to go to charity, split between the Search and Rescue Dog Association, the RNLI and the Salvation Army. For Bonhams, James Stensel said: "We were incredibly honored to have been appointed to sell such a special machine. The result exceeded all expectations and demonstrates the strength of the Brough Superior market and the length bidders will go to support such worthy causes." Other highlights of the sale included: a 1974 Ducati 750SS which sold for a massive £106,780, which was three times its pre-sale estimate; a 1923 Nimbus 746cc Four which went for £55,200 against an estimate of £12,000-16,000, and a 1930 Coventry-Eagle 996cc Flying-8 Model F150 Police which sold for £68,700 against an estimate of £40,000-50,000. Also in the sale was the 42-bike inventory of collector Miklos Salamon. Every one of his bikes sold, the star lots being a 1950 Vincent 998cc 'Chinese Red' Touring Rapide (which sold for £68,700) and a 1940 Indian 78ci Four (£68,700).
Further star lots included: a 1957 F.B Mondial 250cc DOHC Grand Prix machine which sold for £92,220; a 1926 Coventry-Eagle 981cc Flying-8 (£65,340); a 1955 Nimbus 750cc Model C Four (£20,700); a 1955 Vincent 998cc Black Knight & Steib 501 Sidecar (£63,100) and the ex-JD Potts, 1929 Grindlay-Peerless 498cc Brooklands 'Hundred Model' which sold for £57,500
Ben Walker, Bonham's International Department Director, said: 'We are delighted to open the UK motorcycle auction season with such strong results. The range of lots on offer was extensive and far-reaching, from barn find projects to vintage machines and modern superbikes - all achieving impressive prices. With some 300 machines in the sale, Bonhams demonstrated the breadth of its expertise and we were thrilled to break several world records and set new precedent on values."
Ben Walker, Bonham's International Department Director, said: 'We are delighted to open the UK motorcycle auction season with such strong results. The range of lots on offer was extensive and far-reaching, from barn find projects to vintage machines and modern superbikes - all achieving impressive prices. With some 300 machines in the sale, Bonhams demonstrated the breadth of its expertise and we were thrilled to break several world records and set new precedent on values."
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