The only red Vincent White Shadow ever built will be offered for sale at the Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction on 7 January, 2016. The 1951 Vincent Series C “White” Shadow is one of only 15 manufactured and the sole example made in Chinese Red. In current ownership since the early 1980s, this rarity has been professionally restored, verified by the VOC and signifies a true one of one masterpiece.
Another lot is the 1963 Triumph Bonneville “Desert Sled” owned by Steve McQueen, modified by Bud Ekins and painted by Von Dutch. Offered from the prominent California collection of Larry Bowman, this is perhaps the most iconic model ridden by the iconic Hollywood actor. The King of Cool owned scores of motorcycles but this machine encapsulates the McQueen legend like no other.
Also from the Larry Bowman Collection is a genuine 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH Racer. Owned early on by Glen Kleckner of Nebraska – a regional racer in the 1920s, and later restored by renowned racer Connie Schlemmer with the engine rebuilt by respected expert Mike Lang, this rare competition model boasts of being a factory race unit. Unique factory features include a front cylinder oiler (as utilized on 8-valve racers) to prevent the front piston from seizing, among other distinct identifiers.
Additional noteworthy machines – among many – include a 1922 Ace Four with Sidecar and a 1910 Royal Pioneer Single, both from the Larry Bowman Collection, a 1926 Indian Daytona Factory Hillclimber, a 1912 Indian Board Track Racer, and a 1926 Henderson Four Deluxe that has been in the same ownership for nearly 40 years.
These and many more motorcycles from America, Great Britain, Europe and Japan will be offered Thursday, 7 January at Bally’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
ben.walker @bonhams.com