Vintage bikes go under the hammer
2010-01-29 08:18
Over 100 classic motorcycles will be going under the hammer in a Bonhams auction on 27th February at the RAF Museum in Hendon, England. The so-called Pamplona Collection is an “important group of motorcycles assembled by a prominent Spanish private collector,” says Bonhams. The lot consists mostly of pre-1950 machines.
The extraordinarily diverse collection includes a brace of De Dion Bouton-engined machines dating from the closing years of the 19th Century, as well as nine four-cylinder models from the likes of Ace, Cleveland, Excelsior, FN, Henderson, Indian, Nimbus and Zündapp.
V-twin engined motorcycles are another predominant theme, with no fewer than 18 in the collection including examples from Harley-Davidson, Sunbeam, Vincent, Motosacoche, Peugeot, Matchless, BSA and, of course, Brough Superior in the form of a 1931 SS100. Rare marques represented include Vindec, Wanderer, Acme, Rikuo, Böhmerland, PMZ, Griffon, Standard, Diamant, Laurin & Klement, Phebus and Mabeco.
The collection was assembled over the past few years for the enjoyment of the owner’s friends and family, and was housed at various locations before coming to its purpose-built museum home 12 months ago. Almost all of the machines were in running condition at time of purchase. Since then they have been carefully stored.
“It is a pleasure to be offering for sale such a fine and outstanding collection of motorcycles,” says Ben Walker, head of the motorcycles department at Bonhams. “The vendor has managed to assemble, over a relatively short period of time, a world-class collection of rare machinery and this sale represents a fantastic opportunity for the enthusiast and collector to acquire something really special for their garage.”
Below are some of the more exclusive models up for auction along with the estimated price they are expected to fetch.
For a comprehensive lot list visit www.bonhams.com.
1931 Brough Superior SS100 JAP engine: Estimate £120 000 - 150 000
1919 Henderson J 4 Cylinder: Estimate £30 000 - 40 000
1937 Bohmerland 600cc: Estimate £35 000 - 45 000
1897 De Dion Bouton Motorcycle: Estimate £25 000 - 30 000
1923 ACE 4 Cylinder: Estimate £25 000 - 30 000
1923 Nimbus 746cc: Estimate £22 000 - 30 000
1917 Indian Powerplus plus Sidecar: Estimate £22 000 - 26 000