Bonhams sold 127 classic machines (171 in October, 2013) and grossed £1m (£1.3m: 2013) at its 19 October sale. Conversion was 73 per cent, 47 of the 174 bikes offered failing to get away.
In what is generally becoming a slowing market the sale did well to sell 41 machines above top estimate (prices including premium). Twenty-five were let go below bottom estimate.
Of top estimate-breakers a 1913 4.25hp BSA single was spectacular at £20,700 (top estimate £7000). And star of the show at £104,540, a 1914 Flying Merkel V-twin, beat top estimate by £34,540.
Automobilia in general did extremely well, especially Vincent lots and Barry Sheene trophies and clothing.
Said new head of the motorcycle department James Stensel: “Collectors scrambled to own a piece of twice world champion Barry Sheene’s memorabilia. The combined Sheene total powered above top estimate to make £24,774.”
Not doing so well were expensive expensive race bikes. A run of five consecutive non-selling race bike lots stalled proceedings for a while.
More than £24,000 from this sale went to the NSPCC as a result of selling seven machines belonging to Blur lead guitarist Graham Coxon who supports the charity.
Adding great kudos to the sale was the presence of four times F1 car world champion Sebastian Vettel who arrived unannounced and managed to maintain an extremely low profile as he moved among leading buyers, members of the trade and the bike race world. Vettel bought two bikes, including a pre-war 350 Triumph.