An impressive 97% of machines were sold by lot and by value at Bonhams Alexandra Palace sale on 23 September. The sale comprised a significant single-owner collection of 68 machines including eight MV Agustas and several historically important racers. The sale achieved an impressive £1,211,813 in total.
The majority of the top lots were 70s machines, sales of which have gained increased momentum over the past decade, such as the 1972 Kawasaki 903cc Z1, which sold for £26,500 against an estimate of £12,000 – £18,000. Launched in 1972 and charismatic to the extreme, these early Big Zeds are served by an enthusiastic owners club and are increasingly sought after today. The 1975 Laverda 750SFC Elettronica sold for twice its pre-sale estimate, achieving £41,400, again proving the increasing popularity of machines from this era.
British machines performed strongly across the board, with the ex-James Guthrie, Joe Dunphy, Manx Grand Prix, Isle of Man TT 1961 Beart-Norton Manx 350cc Racing Motorcycle achieving £51,750 after a spirited bidding battle, and the ex-Harry Lamacraft, 1939 Velocette 348cc KTT Mark VIII racing motorcycle selling for £50,600 to a buyer in the room. The 1949 Vincent-HRD 499cc Meteor Series B was a predictably strong performer, selling for £28,175 and proving that the market for rare, high-quality Vincents remains strong.
Director of Motorcycles at Bonhams Ben Walker commented: “We are very pleased with the results of this sale. We offered an incredibly impressive range of machinery, from vintage tourers to ultra-modern superbikes, and nearly every lot found a new owner.
“The variety of motorcycles on offer illustrates the sheer breadth of our department’s expertise, and the top prices realised indicate that the collectors’ market remains buoyant. This is good news as we head towards our busiest period of the year with our annual Autumn Stafford Sale on 13/14 October and our sale of collectors’ motorcycles at the Barber Museum, Alabama, on 6 October.”
Other highlights included:
• The ex-works JH Welsby, Isle of Man TT, 1926 Scott 498cc TT Racing Motorcycle sold for £29,900 to an auction room bidder
• The 2015 Kawasaki 998cc H2R also reached Top 10 status, selling for £30,375, nearly double its pre-sale estimate of £16,000-20,000.
• The ex-Steve Jolly, 1962 Matchless 498cc G50 Racing Motorcycle sold for £28,750
• 1976 Ducati 864cc 900SS achieved £28,750
• The 1978 MV Agusta 750S America with only 41 miles from new which achieved £74,750
• The 1971 MV Agusta 750S which sold to a bidder in the room for £67,850