Bonhams has announced several unique bikes ahead of its annual Autumn Stafford Sale at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on 11 October. Leading the line-up is the Johnny Cecotto Collection – a selection of bikes owned by the Venezuelan racing legend. Cecotto was the youngest-ever 350cc Grand Prix World Champion and also competed in Formula One, DTM, and endurance racing.
The Cecotto Collection is headlined by one of the most important racing motorcycles to come to auction in recent years: Cecotto’s 1978 Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha OW31 works racer, which is estimated at £220,000-£300,000. In Cecotto’s ownership since his racing career ended, this machine carried him to the 1978 Formula 750 World Championship, with victories at Imola and the prestigious Coppa delle Nazioni.
The auction will also feature bikes from the John Surtees Family Collection, machines owned, ridden and cherished by Surtees and his family. Highlights include a 1949 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C, estimated at £45,000-£65,000, and a rare Petty Manx racing motorcycle, estimated at £15,000-£20,000.
The sale currently includes 207 lots, with other highlights including an ex-Steve McQueen 1972 Husqvarna 250cc motocrosser, a 1973 MV Agusta 750S, a Gilera 500cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle Recreation by Kay Engineering, and a 1930 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports.
James Stensel, head of department at Bonhams Motorcycles, said: “The Autumn Stafford Sale celebrates the passion, history and people that make motorcycling so special. Every motorcycle in the catalogue has a story to tell, and we are privileged to help preserve and share those stories with collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The motorcycle team is exceptionally proud to bring together motorcycles associated with legendary names such as Johnny Cecotto and John Surtees, alongside important private collections built through decades of passion and expertise. From world championship-winning race bikes and historically significant British heavyweight twins to accessible rider machines, this sale truly offers something for every collector.”
For more information, including the live catalogue and bidding registration, visit: www.bonhams.com/32043.