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Click here to subscribePhotographs, a collection of b/w photos dating from the late 19th to the mid 20thC. Subjects include military, street scenes, transport, social history, model aircraft group, sports, wedding, Royalty, New Barnet factory under construction, world harbours, Press photos of Sir Harmer Nicholls MP for Peterborough etc. (gen gd) (circa 200)
Sporting Ephemera, a selection of late 19th and early 20thC sporting items to include tickets, advertisements, London Transport 1948 Olympic Games map, letters from the Universal Glaciarium and Ice Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (1884 and 1885), 3 x 'Sandown' playing cards, Derby Day 1937 Gala Dinner Menu, first edition 1934 John Bull Tourist's Guide in cover filled with advertisements, sports represented include archery, badminton, racing, skating, cycling, bathing, boxing (gd) (30+)
Postcards, a further mixed age Foreign product advertising selection of approx. 100 cards inc. La Prevoyance par la Mutualite (Art Nouveau), Nestles Kindermehl, Le Piou Piou, Biscuits Pernot (2, Paris 1900), Philips bulbs (Deco, 2), The Regal Shoe Co (2 St Louis 1904), Pates Remy, Cracker Jack Bears (3), Biscuits Lefevre-Utile (2 Transparencies Paris 1900), and Chocolats Lindt & Sprungli (Winter Sports 4) etc (fair/gd)
A SELECTION OF ITEMS, to include a Dalvey travel clock, with cream dial, Roman numerals and black hands, to the fold over black cover, a gentlemen's wing master stainless steel sports wristwatch, with black dial, Arabic numerals and batons, with three subsidiary dials and black strap, a seaman's certificate etc
A BAG CONTAINING A NUMBER OF UNIT/FORMATION PATCHES, namely two 4th Infantry Division (2nd type), British Troops palestine/Jordan square patch red in colour featuring sabre in black and white, almost leather in feel, oval ARP patch red and navy, German 3rd Reich Hitler Youth Sports Award badge marked to reverse, RZM, M1/101 including the maker Gustav Brehmer and a metal and wood angled name plate 'La Bona Esperanza' 1546, Captain, Sir Hugh Wiilloughby, possibly from a painting frame, together with a number of cards etc York interest
GENTS JACKETS AND TROUSERS comprising a John Justin Thornproof twist tweed sports jacket, a Green & Hollins, Wolverhampton Magee Wolfhound Twist sports jacket, a two piece pin stripe suit, jacket 42'' chest, trousers 36''/31'', with two ties and a Dunn & Co 100% worsted wool two piece suit and a tie (4)
Three sets of one-piece leathersincluding Heine Gericke Pro-Sports size 54; RS Performance Protection size 44; Fieldsheer size XL; together with a pair of Gaerne red boots size 47, close inspection advised. (4)Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1962 Ariel 247cc Arrow Super Sports Registration no. HVS 179Frame no. T29141/GEngine no. T29141-GAriel's Arrow Super Sports, often referred to as the Golden Arrow, first hit the road in August 1961 and remained in production until May 1965. Mike O'Rourke had ridden a Herman Meier tuned Arrow to an amazing 7th place in the 1960 Lightweight TT against many much more exotic racing machines, maintaining an average speed of 80 mph, so it certainly had potential. Many have speculated that it could and should have been further developed, and not long afterwards the Japanese proved that there was a very real market for 250cc two stroke twins. This matching numbers example was bought by the lady vendor's late brother in law in November 1994. Virtually nothing is known of its history or mechanical state. It is accompanied by a V5C. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1958 Triton 650cc Café RacerRegistration no. 379 YUGFrame no. N14 76524Engine no. T110 56298A happy marriage of Triumph power and Norton roadholding, the Triton is rightly regarded by enthusiasts as the quintessential British sports special. This hybrid first emerged in the 1950s and continues to be built by professionals and amateurs alike, enjoying marque status today. One of the first specials-builders to put the Triton into what might be termed 'limited production' was Dave Degens, proprietor of Dresda Autos. Riding one of his own Dresda Tritons, Degens won the prestigious Barcelona 24-Hour Endurance Race in 1965, defeating many works-entered bikes in the process. A very nice example, the triton offered here consists in the main of a 1958 Norton Dominator Model 99 rolling chassis; a 1954 Triumph Tiger 110 engine; and a Triumph 'slick shift' gearbox. Other noteworthy features include Amal Concentric carburettors; belt primary drive; central oil tank; Akront alloy wheel rims; swept-back exhaust pipes; megaphone silencers; clip-on 'bars; rear-set footrests; racing seat; John Tickle alloy top yoke; and matching Smiths instruments. In short: this machine incorporates all the classic Triton 'must haves'. First registered in June 2012 and purchased at a local auction, it currently displays a total of 28 miles on the odometer, which may well be the distance covered since its construction. The machine is offered with an expired MoT (2013), a dating letter, and a V5C document.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1968 Triumph 649cc T120R BonnevilleRegistration no. EUG 157FFrame no. T120R DU72818Engine no. T120R DU72818'The famous Triumph Bonneville Road Sports twin carburettor motorcycle is the acknowledged choice of American riders who demand the finest all-round performance and handling. For 1966 the Bonneville features a new sporting look, with small slim gas tank, modern compact tail light assembly and polished stainless-steel fenders. Performance has been further increased, yet it still retains the reliability required by road riders under all conditions.' - Triumph Motorcycle Company.The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes T120R and T120C versions of the Bonneville were offered there, the former having a more raised handlebar when compared to its European counterpart while the latter catered for the American rider's passion for off-road motorcycling. Almost certainly imported from the USA, this 1968 T120R Bonneville was first registered in the UK on 1st January 1992. Purchased from a local auction house, it has covered a (believed) 1 mile since restoration and would respond well to detailing. It should be noted that the machine has not been used for the last 18 months and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Offered with an HPI check and a V5C Registration Certificate.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Property of a deceased's estate 1960 BSA 500cc DBD34 Gold StarRegistration no. 488 BLR (see text)Frame no. CB32.10317Engine no. DBD.34.GS.5882•Iconic British sports roadster•Matching numbers•Despatched from the factory in November 1960On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and award of the Gold Star that would give BSA's new super sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of clubman's racing in the 1950s. In fact, it was the model's domination of the Isle of Man Clubman's TT which led to the event being dropped after Gold Star rider Bernard Codd's 1956 Senior/Junior double victory. The Gold Star did not return to BSA's post-WW2 range until 1949. First displayed at the Earls Court Show in 1948, the B32 Goldie boasted the telescopic front fork first introduced on BSAs larger models for 1946 and came equipped with a new alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. For 1950 a 500cc version – the B34 – was added to the range and this larger Goldie was the first to switch to the new die-cast top-end, with separate rocker box, in 1951. The 350 followed suit in 1952 and the pair continued as the 'BB' Gold Stars after the new swinging arm frame was introduced in 1953, changing to 'CB' designation for 1954. This change marked the introduction of the classic 'big fin' engine top-end but the designation lasted only until the arrival of the 'DB' series in the autumn of 1955. The 'DB' incorporated a much-improved lubrication system and, in the case of the 350 only, a stronger cylinder assembly; as such it represented the 'Junior' Goldie in its final form, there being no 350 equivalent of the final 'DBD' version. For the majority of enthusiasts, the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The DBD, the ultimate road going 500 Gold Star, appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's perennially popular sporting single changed little until its much-lamented demise in 1963. Today, the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of post-war British motorcycles and is supported by a most enthusiastic owners' club.This matching-numbers BSA Gold Star DBD34 was despatched from the factory in November 1960. The RRT2 gearbox, 190mm front brake, Dunlop alloy wheel rims, and matching Smiths instruments are noteworthy features. There is no registration document with this Lot. It should be noted the HPI database records engine number DBD34GS8882. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Property of a deceased's estate c.1954 BSA 500cc B31/B33 'Gold Star' Replica (see text)Registration no. RXO 653 (see text)Frame no. CB31 189Engine no. DBD34GS 1614 (re-stamped)On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of Brooklands on its way to a debut race victory and award of the 'Gold Star' that would give BSA's new sports model its evocative name. Possibly the most successful production racing motorcycle ever, the post-war Gold Star formed the mainstay of Clubman's racing in the 1950s. For the majority of enthusiasts, the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The DBD, the ultimate road going 500 Gold Star, appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's perennially popular sporting single changed little until its much-lamented demise in 1963. Today, the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of post-war British motorcycles and is supported by a most enthusiastic owners' club. The Gold Star replica offered here consists of a B31/B33 frame dating from 1954 and a (believed) DBD34 engine that has been re-stamped with too low a number. Last taxed until 30th April 2005, the machine is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. There is no registration document with this Lot. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Property of a deceased's estate c.1955 BSA 650cc 'Road Rocket Special' (see text)Registration no. FSV 196 (see text)Frame no. CA7 13835Engine no. DA10R 2911BSA's range for 1955 embodied several novel features. Alongside the existing plunger-framed machines were new models equipped with swinging-arm rear suspension, while the A7 Shooting Star and A10 Road Rocket sports twins came with new aluminium-alloy cylinder heads. The latter produced a highly respectable 40bhp, and as tested by Motor Cycling magazine was found capable of reaching 109mph. Available only for export at first, the Road Rocket reached the UK market in 1956, by which time it had been equipped with the stylish Ariel full-width hubs, but lasted in production for only another season before being superseded by the Super Rocket. Today the short-lived Road Rocket is one of the rarer BSA twins. Finished in the model's characteristic red/black livery, this machine has been built as a Road Rocket lookalike using an earlier frame and later engine, though the cycle parts and hubs are correct for a Road Rocket. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the origin of this machine's components, its construction, and subsequent model designation prior to bidding. There is no registration document with this Lot, which is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted the HPI database records a 'G' frame prefix opposed to 'C' and a final '5' digit to engine number that does not appear on the machine. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Property of a deceased's estate Triton 650cc Café RacerRegistration no. YER 476 (see text)Frame no. D10657Engine no. 6T 79388A happy marriage of Triumph power and Norton roadholding, courtesy of the latter's peerless Featherbed frame, the Triton is rightly regarded by enthusiasts as the quintessential British sports special. This hybrid first emerged in the 1950s and continues to be built by professionals and amateurs alike, enjoying marque status today. This delightfully understated 'old school' Triton is powered by a Triumph Thunderbird engine dating from 1956. Other noteworthy features include a Triumph gearbox; alloy cylinder head; twin carburettors; alloy wheel rims; and a twin-leading-shoe front brake. Last taxed in February 1994, the machine is offered for re-commissioning/restoration and is sold strictly as viewed. There is no registration document with this Lot, and it should be noted that the frame appears to have been re-stamped with a Triumph number. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Property of a deceased's estate 1966 Triumph 649cc T120 BonnevilleRegistration no. NYA 63E (see text)Frame no. T120 DU43310Engine no. T120 DU43310Graced by one of the most evocative model designations in the history of motorcycling, the Triumph Bonneville owes its existence to record-breaking successes achieved on the eponymous Utah salt flats in 1958, when a Tiger 110 set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph. Launched at the Motor Cycle Show in September 1958, the production Bonneville remained recognisably similar to the first Speed Twin of 1938 for the next few years, as did Triumph's other large-capacity twins. Unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350 and 500 twins though, and that innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racers' favourite since its introduction, thanks to lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster. This collectible T120 Bonneville dates from 1966, by which time the handling problems associated with earlier versions had been sorted. Last taxed for the road in 2000, the Bonnie displays a total of 10 miles on the odometer, which may well be the distance travelled since its restoration. The machine is offered with pre-restoration photographs; Triumph Replacement Parts Catalogue; parts catalogue (missing covers); Triumph owner's workshop manual; and copy Real Classic magazine article. There is no registration document with this Lot. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1939 Rudge Whitworth 499cc 'Ulster'Registration no. AMJ 473Frame no. not visibleEngine no. 6293 (see text)Rudge were early adopters of technology, and were one of the first to provide a four-speed gearbox, four-valve cylinder heads, and interconnected brakes, not to mention the lever-operated centre stand. The sports model was the 499cc Ulster, so named following the firm's win in the Ulster Grand prix in 1928. From 1934 the Rudge Ulster was equipped with an aluminium bronze four valve cylinder head. 'AMJ 473' was purchased by the deceased owner in 1987. He was not impressed by the quality of assembly, and therefore decided to give the bike to a professional restorer to correct the inadequacies of the previous owner. Accordingly, it was placed with Robin James of Leominster. There followed a period of work and, after exchanges of invoices and letters detailing progress, the work ended in 1988. We are not aware of whether the Rudge was ever used on the road after this time, and it has been dry garage-stored and not used since approximately 1988. The engine number on the documentation does not match that on the engine, indicating that the engine, or crankcases, have been changed. A crankcase half, numbered U1504, accompanies the machine. Requiring thorough safety checks and re-commissioning, the Rudge is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the vintage, suitability, and compatibility of its components prior to bidding. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, the aforementioned correspondence/invoices, Rudge Enthusiasts Journals, plus sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1960 Moto Morini 175cc Tresette SprintRegistration no. FAS 861Frame no. 43044Engine no. TS41939Introduced for the 1954 model year, the 175cc Moto Morini Settebello (Seven of Diamonds) was a high-performance sports roadster that commenced a run of models named after card games. Although intended for production-class racing, the Settebello was sold with full road equipment and could be distinguished from Morini's other 175s by its larger cylinder head containing hairpin valve springs (all the rest used coils). Following the budget-priced Biscola (trumps) the last of the card game-themed 175s was the Tresette (Three Sevens) which was newly introduced for 1958 together with the sporting Tresette Sprint. There was also an out-and-out racer, the twin-overhead-camshaft Rebello, which was one of the most advanced designs available when introduced in 1955. This restored Moto Morini Tresette Sprint was first registered in the UK in May 2002 and has belonged to the current vendor since November 2013. We are advised that the compression has been lowered for road use, and that the machine has been upgraded with a Powerdynamo 12-volt ignition and MMB electronic rev counter. Last run in December 2019, the machine is described by the private vendor as in excellent condition throughout and would make a superb acquisition for any collection and an ideal mount for the Moto Giro d'Italia. Accompanying documentation consists of restoration notes and bills; some expired MoTs; a V5C Registration Certificate; and photocopy instruction manual and parts book.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1979 Ducati 864cc Mike Hailwood ReplicaRegistration no. KTM 33VFrame no. 900013Engine no. 089441•Landmark Ducati model•Restored in the late 1990s•Unused since restoration•Dry of all fluidsA landmark model that kept Ducati afloat during the 1980s, the Hailwood Replica owes its existence to Mike's legendary Isle of Man TT comeback victory in the 1978 Production Race riding an ex-works NCR bike entered and prepared by Manchester-based Ducati dealer, Sports Motor Cycles. Out of top-flight bike racing for seven years and away from the Island for eleven, Mike took on and beat the might of the Honda works team to win the Formula 1 TT at record speed. Ducati lost little time in capitalising on this outstanding success, launching a road-going replica the following year. Like the race-bike, the MHR was based on the production 900SS, but - inevitably - had much more in common with the latter than the former. Most obvious difference was the full fairing finished in red, green and white, complemented by a glassfibre tank and racing seat. In fact, on the very earliest examples the 'tank' hid a steel fuel reservoir, glassfibre being illegal in the UK for tanks. Mechanical changes were confined to lighter wheels, usually by Campagnolo, and improved Brembo brakes, while the MHR's performance was pretty much the same as that of the 900SS: around 135mph flat-out. Destined mainly for the UK market, the first 200 MHRs came with two separate seats: one solo, the other a dual seat, whereas later versions had a single 'convertible' solo/dual seat. The lack of any side covers is another distinctive feature of very early MHRs such as this one, which also has the one-piece fairing used at that time. Built in late 1979 and first registered on 1st February 1980, the machine offered here is identified by its frame number - '900013' - as the 13th Mike Hailwood Replica made (production commenced with '900001'). Invoices on file indicate that the Ducati was restored in the late 1990s while owned by previous keeper Mr Geoffrey Palmer; the works carried out including an engine rebuild by marque specialist the late Mick Walker. Unused since restoration and dry of all fluids, the Ducati has been owned by the current vendor since May 2003 and is described by him as in excellent condition. Offered with a V5 document and the aforementioned bills, it represents an exciting opportunity for Ducati enthusiasts to acquire one of these rare and iconic machines, ready for re-commissioning or display.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1956 BSA 499cc DBD34 Gold StarRegistration no. 311 UXOFrame no. CB32 6024Engine no. DBD34GS 2526•Delivered new to the USA•Restored in the UK in the late 1990s/early 2000s•Only 39 miles since completion•Present ownership since 2006On Wednesday 30th June 1937, a specially prepared Empire Star 500 ridden by the great Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap of the Brooklands circuit on its way to a debut race victory and award of the Gold Star that would give BSA's new sports model its evocative name. The Gold Star did not return to BSA's post-WW2 range until 1949. First displayed at the Earls Court Show in 1948, the B32 Goldie boasted the telescopic front fork first introduced on BSA's larger models for 1946 and came equipped with a new alloy cylinder barrel and 'head. For 1950 a 500cc version – the B34 – was added to the range and this larger Goldie was the first to switch to the new die-cast top-end, with separate rocker box, in 1951. The 350 followed suit in 1952 and the pair continued as the 'BB' Gold Stars after the new swinging-arm frame was introduced in 1953, changing to 'CB' designation for 1954. This change marked the introduction of the classic 'big fin' engine but the designation lasted only until the arrival of the 'DB' series in the autumn of 1955. The 'DB' incorporated a much-improved lubrication system and, in the case of the 350 only, a stronger cylinder assembly; as such it represented the 'Junior' Goldie in its final form, there being no 350 equivalent of the final 'DBD' version. For the majority of enthusiasts, the 500cc DBD34 in Clubman's trim is the epitome of the 'Goldie'. The DBD, the ultimate road going 500 Gold Star, appeared in 1956 when the famous RRT2 close-ratio gearbox and 190mm front brake became standard equipment. From then on BSA's perennially popular sporting single changed little until its much-lamented demise in 1963. Today, the Gold Star remains one of the most highly sought after of post-war British motorcycles and is supported by a most enthusiastic owners' club.This DBD34 comes with a BSA Gold Star OC dating letter revealing that it was despatched to the USA in October 1956. First registered in the UK on 8th August 2005, having already been totally restored, it has belonged to the current owner since March 2006. Noteworthy features include 12-volt electrics and electronic ignition. Last run in 2017, the machine has covered only 39 miles since restoration and is described by the private vendor as in excellent condition. Accompanying documentation consists of numerous restoration invoices and photographs; SORN paperwork; and old/current V5C documents. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1950 Matchless 348cc G3LRegistration no. LGC 376Frame no. 53252Engine no. 50/SG3L 13701Weighing as much as the 500cc model from which most of them were derived, but considerably less powerful, the typical British 350 of the 1950s was not likely to be anyone's first choice as a fast sports bike. Rather, these honest, workaday mounts were chosen for other reasons, chiefly their inherent strength, dependability and economy. AMC's offerings in this important market sector were the Matchless G3L and AJS Model 16, models identical in all essential respects, tank badge and magneto position excepted. Testing one of these stalwarts in 1961, Motor Cycling recorded a modest mean top speed of 76mph but found that when toured at a relaxed pace across country an excellent 86 miles per gallon was achievable. Although limited, Motor Cycling's experience confirmed that such a machine was light on the pocket, 'both for running costs and for the equally important, though less easily assessed, maintenance/repair factor'. First registered on 5th March 1950, this Matchless G3L is an example of the rare 'Candlestick' model, so called because of the shape of its shock absorbers, which use a fixing different from that of the successor 'Jampot' units. 'LGC 376' was purchased by the private vendor in March 2017 and is described by him as in good condition, having last been run in 2019. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1993 Ducati 888 SPO SuperbikeRegistration no. K724 OJKFrame no. ZDM1HB7R1PB000623Engine no. not known (see text)Ducati kicked off the inaugural World Superbike Championship with victory in the opening round at Donington Park in April 1988. Works rider Marco Lucchinelli took the honours aboard an over-bored and race-kitted version of the Ducati 851 sports roadster, and the following year the factory announced what would be the first of many limited-edition models: the Lucchinelli Replica. In 1990 Ducati replaced the Luccinelli Replica with the competition-only Corsa, the first in a series of such machines based on the preceding year's works racers. Like the Replica, the Corsa used the 888cc engine, which also featured in the limited edition, higher-specification SP series of Ducati roadsters. Too good to reserve purely for limited production, the 888cc engine eventually went into the 851's replacement – the 888 Superbike – in 1993. Strada (road), SP (Sport Production) and SPO (Sport Production Omologato) versions were offered. First registered in the UK in April 1995, this Ducati 888 SPO has belonged to the current vendor since June 2007. Last run earlier this year, the machine displays a total of 12,651 miles on the odometer and is described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout. Offered with instruction manuals; a quantity of expired MoTs; sundry bills; and a V5C document, this 888 SPO represents a rare opportunity to acquire an iconic modern Ducati that can only become increasingly collectible. It should be noted, there is no engine number visible and is simply listed as 'NOT KNOWN' to the V5C.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1997 Suzuki GSX-R750VRegistration no. P484 XGCFrame no. JS1GR7DA00504703Engine no. R726-110965Suzuki rewrote the 750-class rulebook when it launched the GSX-R750 back in 1985. The 'Gixxer's development had been strongly influenced by lessons learned from the works TT F1 and Endurance racers; lighter than a 600 and as powerful as a 1000, it made all other super-sports 750s seem flabby and slow. One of the modern era's few instant classics and the sole surviving Japanese 750cc sports bike until its recent deletion, the GSX-R750 has been a huge commercial success for Suzuki and enjoys cult status today. Offered here is an example of the totally redesigned SRAD version, which was first introduced in 1996. 'SRAD' stood for Suzuki Ram Air Direct, a reference to the pressurised induction system, but arguably the most striking feature of the new Gixxer was its aluminium beam frame, which was based on that of the RGV500 Grand Prix bike. Finished in the livery of the Suzuki works team's one-time sponsor Lucky Strike, this example has been signed by Suzuki's 1993 MotoGP World Champion Kevin Schwantz, who first came to prominence racing a Yoshimura GSX-R750 (photographs on file). The current vendor, its third owner, acquired the machine in 2002. Last run earlier this year, it is described by him as in good condition and offered with old V5/V5C documents and two expired MoTs.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
2000 Honda CB900RR FirebladeRegistration no. W424 NYJFrame no. JH2SC44AXYM008628Engine no. SC44E2015869Every so often a model comes along that rewrites the rulebook for sports motorcycles, one of the most influential of modern times being Honda's Fireblade. Launched in 1992, the Fireblade blew away the opposition – principally Yamaha's FZR1000 and Suzuki's GSX-R1100 - with its combination of litre-bike performance and a 600-sized package. Superbly styled and evocatively titled, it was recognised as a future classic almost immediately, and early and unmolested examples command high prices today. Progressively developed, the Blade has occasionally fallen behind the opposition, but today's version is back at the top of the tree and already proving a threat to the more established opposition in the World Superbike Championship. Offered here is an example of the 'Blade in its third (SC44) iteration, which featured a completely new 929cc short-stroke engine equipped with fuel injection for the first time. The machine is finished in the livery of the Spanish oil company Repsol, long-time sponsors of Honda's MotoGP works team. Wonderfully presented, it last ran earlier this year and is described by the private vendor as good condition throughout, currently displaying a total of 17,509 miles on the odometer. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and MoT to 9th July 2020, and it should be noted that the original silencer is included in the sale.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1992/2012 'Ducati' Sports Motorcycle 900cc TT944 (see text)Registration no. J269 RNBFrame no. ZDM906SC2-003884Engine no. ZDM904A2C*003834*• Hand-built with the blessing of Steve Wynne• Certificate of Authenticity confirming it as no. 1• Road legalWhilst Grands Prix were being taken over by Japanese two-strokes, Ducati had discovered their niche in larger capacity Formula and endurance races. Famously, with Mike Hailwood on board, Steve Wynne's Sports Motorcycles team took the 1978 Formula I Championship. Under Steve Wynne, Sports Motorcycles had graduated from dealers in modern motorcycles, particularly Italian ones, to become sponsors and race preparation specialists during the 1970s. In later years, Steve had utilised the skills of Glyn Robinson, a talented engineer from Yorkshire to solve some of the many problems inherent in motorcycle racing. Among his many skills was that of making race-type frames to house Ducati's wonderful engines. In 2012, Glyn decided to make a complete bike to showcase all the TT1/TT2 products that he, with the blessing and assistance of Steve Wynne, was producing under the Sports Motorcycles banner for use in classic racing.He made the frame from 4130 chrome-moly tubing, the total weight of frame and swinging arm being 11kg. A 900SS engine was obtained, and construction was started. Period Marzocchi magnesium forks were used; the petrol tank was made in alloy; brakes are AP Lockheed billet calipers, with adjustable master cylinder; wheels are 17-inch Dymags. The engine was later completely rebuilt by Paul Klatkiewicz of Ducati Technical Services in Wakefield. The rear cylinder head was reversed, new 41mm Dell'Orto carburettors were fitted, as was a new Spider clutch. A big-bore, free-flow stainless steel exhaust system was tailor-made for the bike. The machine was commissioned by the present owner, who has kept it since completion. A certificate of authenticity, signed by Steve Wynne and Glyn, accompanies the machine, verifying it as number 1. However, soon afterwards, Glyn decided to move his operation to New Zealand to join his mentor Steve Wynne, and whilst the Sports Motorcycles components are still manufactured, no more complete machines have been made.Since delivery, the TT has covered only approximately 58 test miles, and was last started in 2017. The owner now has decided to pass the machine to another enthusiast, as he wishes to pursue other projects. A new owner should only need to fit a battery, carry out light re-commissioning, basic safety checks, and obtain a new MoT before taking to the road. Documentation comprises a current V5C, two old MoT certificates, the aforementioned Certificate of Authenticity, a bill for the engine rebuild, a scan of a Classic Bike article, and a copy of Practical Sportsbikes magazine featuring this bike. Prospective purchasers should note that the year of the machine listed on the V5C is 1992, this being the year of the donor bike.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1931 Gillet-Herstal 350cc SupersportRegistration no. YSL 939Frame no. 71307Engine no. 71307Alongside FN and Saroléa, Gillet was one of Belgium's three main motorcycle manufacturers, all of which were situated near the town of Herstal. FN and Saroléa had been around for 20-or-so years before Desire Gillet and his son Leon founded Société Anonyme des Ateliers Gillet in 1919, adding 'Herstal' to the company name to differentiate it from the French René Gillet concern. The fledgling firm soon established a reputation for original design and sound engineering, which was further enhanced when Robert Sexé rode a two-stroke Gillet-Herstal around the world. Gillet-Herstal's four-stroke models likewise were of very high quality, the firm being amongst the pioneers of unitary construction of the engine/gearbox, as on this stunning example. Gillet-Herstal's overhead-valve unitary construction sports, supersports and competition models were at the peak of high-performance motorcycle design in their day. This matching-numbers example was treated to a 'last nut and bolt' restoration by the present owner in 2001. The cycle parts were blast-cleaned, and powder coated; the wheels rebuilt with new bearings and stainless spokes; the steering head bearings replaced; all brightwork re-plated; the magneto rewound; and new tyres and chains fitted. In addition, the engine and gearbox were overhauled, the cylinder head being rebuilt by The Cylinder Head Shop. Last run in 2019, the machine is described by the private vendor as in excellent condition. Accompanying documentation and much useful literature may be found in the comprehensive history file (inspection recommended).Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1978 Harley-Davidson 998cc XLCR Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. CUA 121SFrame no. 7F11671HBEngine no. 7F11671HB•Rare two-year-only model•Built by the factory to racing specification•Campaigned by Rick SwiderskiHarley-Davidson had been building the Sportster model for years but by the mid-1970s it had become obvious that something better would be required to compete with the hottest new road bikes from Europe and Japan. Styled by William G Davidson, the company's Design Director, Harley's riposte was the XLCR 'Café Racer', which combined the iron-barreled Sportster engine with a chassis incorporating an XR750-style box-section swinging arm, cast alloy wheels and triple disc brakes. With its matt black-finished engine cases, matching exhaust system and sleek glassfibre bodywork, the XLCR looked lean and mean. Trouble was, the XLCR still couldn't cut it with the opposition, and traditional Harley owners didn't know what to make of it. Sales were disappointing, and the model was dropped after only two years in production. Back in '77, Bike magazine reckoned that the XLCR was essentially 'about style and image more than any other machine on the market' and there can be little doubt that turning up on one of these today would get you more attention than any modern sports bike. Only some 3,000-or-so were made and today the rare and stylish XLCR is highly prized by collectors. We are advised by the private vendor that this example was built by Dave Sedlack, a close friend of the Harley-Davidson Company's directors, who went on to open Harley dealerships in the USA. This bike has been built to full racing specification: total loss electrics; paddock starting; all fastenings wired; oil catch-tanks in place, etc. Never road registered in the USA, this XLCR was campaigned during the late 1970s and early '80s by privateer rider Rick Swiderski. Accompanying documentation consists of a manufacturer's statement of origin and a UK V5C Registration Certificate. Said to be very fast and to sound awesome, this wonderful machine represents a rare opportunity to acquire an example of Harley-Davidson's iconic XLCR built by the factory to racing specification. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1916 Harley-Davidson 1,000cc Model J & Package Truck SidecarRegistration no. BF 7022Frame no. L9034MEngine no. L9034M•Sold new in 1916 with the Package Truck option•Fully restored during 2015/2016•Comes with a Harley-Davidson sports sidecarBoyhood friends William S Harley and Arthur Davidson began experimenting with powered transport in the early 1900s, producing their first complete production motorcycle around 1903. Little more than a motorised bicycle, the first prototype Harley-Davidson had proved fragile, prompting a major redesign and the establishment of a reputation for ruggedness that endures to this day. Like many of their contemporaries, Harley-Davidson laid out their engine along De Dion lines. A single-cylinder four-stroke displacing 24.74ci (405cc), the latter remained in production essentially unchanged until superseded by a 30.16ci (494cc) version in 1909. Of greater significance was the appearance that same year of the firm's first v-twin, though this would turn out to be a failure and was dropped at the year's end. The twin returned for 1911 in redesigned form boasting mechanically operated inlet valves (replacing the 'atmospheric' type inherited from the single) and production really took off. Known by the sobriquet 'pocket valve', this F-head (inlet-over-exhaust) engine - built in 61ci and 74ci capacities (1,000cc and 1,200cc respectively) - would remain in production for the next 20 years. The Harley single's transmission arrangements - direct drive by means of a leather belt - were continued at first on the twin but the need to make better use of the engine's power characteristics, particularly for sidecar pulling, prompted the introduction of a two-speed rear hub for 1914, by which time chain drive and a proper clutch had been adopted. Later that same year a conventional, three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with 'step starter' was introduced on the top-of-the-range version of the twin which, with full electrical equipment, was listed from now on as the Model JD. Periodically revised and up-dated, the Model J had gained a front brake, stronger fork and pumped lubrication by the time production ceased in 1929.Dating from 1916, this wonderful Model J is attached to a Harley-Davidson Package Truck, a commercial load-carrier introduced by H-D in 1915. As supplied, the Package Truck was a basic cargo container mounted on a sidecar chassis, its flat sides being perfect for advertising; recognising this, the factory offered a sign-writing service to its customers, while the latter were soon adapting the Package Truck to suit the requirements of their individual businesses. The Package Truck was a runaway success and would remain in production for 42 years until replaced by that other famous Harley commercial vehicle: the Servi-Car.This Harley-Davidson Model J was sold new in 1916 with the Package Truck option and has the optional three-speed gearbox and electric lighting system first offered on the 1915 models. Unusually, this machine retains its original and very rare Remy magdyno and its original 'hand-blown' headlamp bulb, the latter restored and in working order. We are advised by the vendor that only one other example retains its original electrical system.The combination was treated to a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration during 2015 and 2016; all the nickel brightwork was re-plated, the panelling repainted, and the engine and gearbox overhauled. Other noteworthy features include a Corbin speedometer and embossed Harley-Davidson leather luggage set. Used for display at events, including Stafford in April 2016, this wonderful Harley-Davidson Package Truck should require only minimal re-commissioning before taking to the road. A restored Harley-Davidson sports sidecar, which was attached to the original chassis in the early 1920s, is included in the sale, and the combination also comes with a dating certificate and V5C document. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1925 Douglas 596cc RA Model OBRegistration no. BF 5631Frame no. 5759/3Engine no. OE 124•Rare overhead-valve sports model•Originally used for off-road racing•Completely restored in 2010Douglas had built racing and experimental overhead-valve motorcycles prior to WWI but the first production OHV models did not emerge until after the war's end. In September 1921 at Brooklands an overhead-valve Douglas set new 350cc records at 200, 300 and 400 miles. The first production models appeared at that year's Motor Cycle Show and soon demonstrated an enviable combination of speed and reliability. Sales were boosted considerably when in March 1922 Cyril Pullin became the first man to exceed 100mph on a '500' riding one of the new OHV Douglas models. Having made a successful start, Douglas improved upon the concept with the successor RA model, which took its name from the British Research Association, designers of the novel disc brakes fitted front and rear. There was a new frame and the gearbox was relocated above the rear cylinder, enabling the engine to be mounted lower down. Instead of a separate oil tank, engine lubricant was contained within a large aluminium sump. Another novel feature was the use of a twist grip for throttle control instead of the customary lever. Extensive use of aluminium kept the weight down to an admirable 275lb.Riding an RA, Manxman Tommy Sheard won the 1923 Isle of Man Senior TT while Jim Whalley won that year's French Grand Prix and Spanish 12 Hours race. Capitalising on the RA's success, Douglas marketed it as the 'IOM Model', claiming that it was identical with the TT winning machine. The first standard production versions of the RA were launched at the Olympia Show in October 1923 designated OB/24 (596cc) and OE/24 (346cc).The Model OB offered here has larger brakes than the standard production version, which may indicate that it was specially built as a 'works' machine. We are advised by the private vendor that it was originally used for off-road racing before being modified for road use with mudguards and road tyres. The vendor advises us that the entire machine was restored in 2010, the engine being re-bored and fitted with new pistons; the paintwork refurbished; and the nickel brightwork re-plated. Accompanying documentation consists of a Douglas Club dating letter and a V5C Registration Certificate.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1928 Douglas 500cc RA/DT Racing SpecialRegistration no. BF 8703Frame no. FF 23Engine no. EK 105•Rare overhead-valve sports model•Originally used for speedway racing•Entirely restored (good-condition engine excepted)Douglas had built racing and experimental overhead-valve motorcycles prior to WWI but the first production OHV models did not emerge until after the war's end. In September 1921 at Brooklands an overhead-valve Douglas set new 350cc records at 200, 300 and 400 miles. The first production models appeared at that year's Motor Cycle Show and soon demonstrated an enviable combination of speed and reliability. Sales were boosted considerably when in March 1922 Cyril Pullin became the first man to exceed 100mph on a '500' riding one of the new OHV Douglas models. Having made a successful start, Douglas improved upon the concept with the successor RA model, which took its name from the British Research Association, designers of the novel disc brakes fitted front and rear. Riding an RA, Manxman Tommy Sheard won the 1923 Isle of Man Senior TT while Jim Whalley won that year's French Grand Prix and Spanish 12 Hours race. Capitalising on the RA's success, Douglas marketed it as the 'IOM Model', claiming that it was identical with the TT winning machine.The RA also played a part in the development of the famous Dirt-Track Douglas. Douglas was the first manufacturer to establish dominance in the sport of speedway, which had been introduced into the UK from Australia in the late 1920s. According to the late Jeff Clew (writing in his book, The Douglas Motorcycle): 'One of the first riders to demonstrate the art of 'broadsiding' in the UK was Stewie St George, a New Zealander who entered the Greenford Track's meeting on Easter Saturday 1928. He put up a superb display with his modified RA model...'News of Stewie's performance reached the Douglas works and he was invited to Bristol for the day by John Douglas, to discuss the possibility of developing a machine specifically for dirt-track racing.' The result was the Dirt-Track Douglas: basically an RA with its rear section replaced with that of an OB model. On his first outing at Manchester, St George won every race on the new machine.We are advised by the private vendor that this RA was originally used for speedway racing before being modified for road use with mudguards and road tyres. The vendor advises us that with the exception of the engine, which was in good condition, the entire machine has been restored. Accompanying documentation consists of a Douglas Club dating letter and a V5C Registration Certificate. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1927 Matchless 982cc M3/S Sports SoloRegistration no. VH 2605Frame no. to be advisedEngine no. 1113•Rare Vintage-era v-twin sports model•Present ownership since 1997•Restored between 2002 and 2004Unlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless were based in Plumstead, South London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on cycles manufactured by H H Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's first - experimental - motorcycle appeared in 1899 and its first production model in 1902. Already an accomplished cycle racer, Charlie Collier soon turned to racing Matchless motorcycles, as did his brother, and both Colliers would be on the start-line for the inaugural Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Charlie winning the event's single-cylinder class. These early Matchless models were JAP powered but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Nevertheless, within a short time it had gone, along with all the other singles, and for the next several years Matchless built only v-twins. By 1913 there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. These included twin-cylinder 8hp models, one of which was fitted with a Matchless engine (the 7B) and the other a proprietary MAG. The latter was typed '8B'and later would form the basis for the legendary Model H motorcycle combination. Reluctant to remain reliant on outside suppliers, Matchless introduced a 982cc 50-degree v-twin engine of its own design for 1925, although it did bear a strong resemblance to the contemporary JAP. This new engine went into the M/3S 'Sports Solo' model, which replaced the JAP-powered M/2. The current vendor first saw this rare v-twin Matchless in 1974 and bought it in 1997; the machine was then totally restored between 2002 and 2004. Works carried out included re-bushing the forks and fitting new spindles; rebuilding the wheels; sourcing a new fuel tank; overhauling the engine (new pistons, bearings, etc); and restoring the oil pump, while the magneto was rewound in December 2018. Last run in October 2019, this beautifully restored Vintage-era Matchless is offered with an old-style logbook and a V5C Registration Certificate. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1931 Matchless 592cc Silver HawkRegistration no. GP 437Frame no. B721Engine no. B667•Rare 1930s four-cylinder motorcycle•Formerly part of the Ivor Halbert Collection•An older restorationReviewing the v-four Silver Hawk at its launch in the autumn of 1930, Motor Cycling stated that this exciting overhead-camshaft model was 'designed primarily to give really high speed, and to give this speed with silence and the added safety of a spring frame'. The early 1930s was a period of severe economic depression, yet the 1931 Motorcycle Show at Olympia in London witnessed the launch of not one but two four-cylinder models aimed at the very top of the market. The ultimate fates of the two newcomers would turn out to be very different however; Ariel's offering – the Square Four – would enjoy a lengthy production life lasting into the 1950s, whereas the rival Matchless Silver Hawk would be gone within four years. Matchless had introduced another vee-engined model, the twin-cylinder Silver Arrow, the previous year, and the Silver Hawk's design shared many of the 'Arrow's features, most notably the narrow-included angle of the cylinders: 26 degrees. Displacing a total of 592cc, the cylinders were contained within one casting and topped by a single 'head, just like the Arrow's, but the Hawk was intended to be a luxury sports-tourer and so enjoyed the advantages conferred by overhead-camshaft valve gear. Drive to the upstairs cam was by shaft and bevel gears, and there was no denying that the v-four Silver Hawk's was one impressive looking motor. The frame and cycle parts followed Silver Arrow lines, incorporating cantilever rear suspension broadly similar to that adopted later by Vincent-HRD. Expensive to make and introduced at the wrong time, the Silver Arrow failed to sell despite its mouth-watering specification and was quietly dropped in 1935. First registered in May 1931, this Silver Hawk was purchased at a UK auction in 2009 having formed part of the Ivor Halbert Collection for many years. An older restoration, the machine is offered from an important UK private collection and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road (the last MoT expired in 1997). Noteworthy features include 12-volt electrics, electronic ignition, and a Smiths 80mph speedometer. The machine is offered with a V5C document and a small quantity of spares. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1937 Vincent-HRD 500cc Series-A CometRegistration no. FJO 290 Rear Frame no. D1428Frame no. D1428Engine no. C494•Rare pre-war Series-A single•Restored in 2010•Present ownership since 2012The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip Vincent acquired the name and assets of the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature of Vincent motorcycles until production ceased in 1955. Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own in 1934. An overhead-valve, 500cc single, this all-new power unit was designed jointly by PCV and his Chief Engineer Phil Irving. Messrs Vincent and Irving brought fresh thinking to the design of what would become known as the Series-A motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90mm coupled to an 84mm bore; a high-set camshaft and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them; the sum of all these features resulting in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning. The names 'Comet' and 'Meteor' were chosen for the sports and touring versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent-HRD, which had not even been started, let alone ridden, when it was first exhibited at the 1934 Motor Cycle Show at Olympia. Fortunately, during the Show a tester achieved a speed of 90mph on a Comet, a highly respectable figure for a 500cc sports roadster and one that fully justified Philip Vincent's prior performance claims. In the 1935 Isle of Man Senior TT, the new Vincent-HRDs finished in 7th, 9th and 12th places, demonstrating that they possessed reliability as well as speed. Sales increased steadily, but the Vincent was an expensive product and ownership remained the privilege of a wealthy few. Production of all Series-A Vincent-HRDs ceased on the outbreak of WW2, and today the pre-war Comet and Meteor – the machines that effectively kick-started the Vincent legend – are highly prized by discerning collectors. Manufactured in 1937 and first registered in March 1938, this Vincent-HRD Comet was restored in 2010 and is described by the private vendor (its owner since September 2012) as in 'tip top' condition. The machine comes with a history file containing a dating certificate; assorted correspondence; a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs; old insurance documents; old/current V5/V5C documents; and a purchase receipt (1949) when it was bought by Arthur G Gibb. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1974 MV Agusta 750SRegistration no. TML 359MFrame no. MV4C75 214 0367Engine no. 214 0359•Last run 2019•Later twin-disc front end•Original front drum brake, wheel, fork legs included•One previous ownerDeveloped from its long line of highly successful multi-cylinder racers, MV Agusta's first road-going four - the 4C, a twin-carburettor, 600cc, shaft-driven tourer - appeared in 1965. But the public demanded something more exciting from many-times World Champions MV, and the Gallarate manufacturer duly obliged in 1968, upping capacity to 743cc and further boosting maximum power (to 65bhp) by fitting a quartet of Dell'Orto carburettors to the revised 750S, a high-speed symphony in red, white and blue. Perhaps surprisingly for a sports model, the 750S retained the 4C's shaft final drive while the frame too was virtually identical to that of its predecessor. Hand made in limited numbers and priced accordingly, the 750S was way beyond the financial reach of the average enthusiast. This MV Agusta 750S has had only one previous owner, who during his ownership registered the machine in the names of various businesses he owned, hence the V5/V5C documents recording more than one previous keeper. Last run in 2019, the machine benefits from a later twin-disc front end and the addition of a fairing, and is described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition. The original front drum brake, wheel, fork legs and associated parts are included in the sale.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1937 BMW 494cc R5Registration no. FPJ 262Frame no. 501571Engine no. 500678•Present ownership since 1975•An older restoration•Requires re-commissioningFollowing the collapse of its aero engine business after WWI, BMW turned to other areas of manufacture, motorcycles among them. Its first two models, marketed as the Frink and Helios respectively, were failures, but a successful proprietary engine was supplied to other manufacturers. Launched in 1923, the first motorcycle to be sold as a BMW - the R32 - featured a 494cc, twin-cylinder, sidevalve engine having horizontally opposed cylinders, and this 'flat twin' layout would forever be associated with the marque. Setting a pattern that endures to this day, the first BMW motorcycle was relatively expensive but superbly engineered and constructed, while the quality of finish was of the highest order. An important step forward in the development of BMW's long-running flat-twin occurred in 1936 with the introduction of the 494cc R5. Prior to that the BMW engine had been recognisably related to the first of its type, the 1923 R32, and like those of its (494cc) predecessors, the R5's engine dimensions were 'square' at 68x68mm bore/stroke. However, the overhead-valve R5 engine broke new ground by adopting two chain-driven camshafts, a move that permitted shorter pushrods and higher revs. Maximum power increased to 24bhp at 5,800rpm while the top speed was an impressive 87mph (140km/h). First registered in August 1937, this R5 comes with an old-style continuation buff logbook (issued 1958) showing that it was first registered to the vendor in 1975. According to his family, it was purchased as a restoration project and subsequently restored over a lengthy period. 'FPJ 262' is the original Surrey registration, and according to BMW records the R5 was first owned in 1937 by a Mr I J Fox. Apparently in good order throughout, although not ridden for some time, this highly desirable BMW sports roadster will require re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before returning to the road. The machine is offered with a history file containing the aforementioned logbook; sundry bills; a V5C document; and a quantity of photocopied marque-related literature.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1929 BSA 493cc S29 Twin-Port LightweightRegistration no. VC 1415Frame no. H2500Engine no. K2386This overhead-valve S29 sports model is the road version of a design originally intended for speedway racing. Very few examples now remain. This machine's early history is not known but it was used by the Home Guard during WW2 and had several owners until 1952 when it was stripped for grass-track racing. Acquired by Phil Palmer in 1982, the BSA was loaned to the vendor in 2004 when serious restoration commenced. A new big-end assembly was supplied by Alpha Bearings and repairs made to the tappet box and gearbox casing. All main bearings were replaced but overall the condition of the engine and gearbox was sound apart from some wear to the valve gear. We are advised that there is still plenty of lift on the cams and that the engine produces ample power, as demonstrated at the VMCC's 'Try our Sport Day' at Curborough on several occasions. The BSA has also twice done the Banbury Run. The following departures from factory specification are listed: later wheels for modern tyres; later mudguards; minor parts (i.e. handlebar controls); and the flexible exhaust pipes. Accompanying documentation consists of BSA OC dating certificate; an old-style logbook; and a V5C Registration Certificate. Returned to the road in 2011, the machine is said to perform quite well for its age, and is only offered for sale because of the vendor's advancing years and Phil Palmer's ill health.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1932 BSA 349cc L32-5 Blue StarRegistration no. DSJ 140Frame no. none visibleEngine no. Z5 1013During the 1930s its advertising slogan - 'One in Four is a BSA' - reflected the Birmingham-based company's status as the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. The Depression years of the early 1930s forced BSA to reduce its range of models, just ten being offered for 1932. Among these though, were two new overhead-valve sports models of 350cc and 500cc, both typed 'Blue Star' and featuring tuned twin-port engines incorporating high-compression pistons, 'hotter' cams and stronger valve springs. A four-speed gearbox with optional foot change was another feature common to what were then BSA's top-of-the-range sports models. Both engines had vertical cylinders and magneto ignition, and were carried in conventional cycle parts with rigid frames and girder front forks. A 250cc Blue Star was added to the range for 1933. According to the V5c, this L32-5 was first registered on the 31st December 1931. An older restoration, 'DSJ 140' was purchased in 1997 by the current vendor and is offered for sale with a current V5C. Stored in a heated garage in recent years and unused for some time, the BSA appears to be in good order; nevertheless, careful re-commissioning and the customary safety checks are advised before returning it to the road.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1938 Triumph 498cc Speed Twin ProjectRegistration no. CBM 347Frame no. TH 5620Engine no. 8-5T 11804Although Edward Turner's Triumph Speed Twin caused a sensation when it appeared at the 1937 Motorcycle Show, few of its admirers can have guessed how influential the design would prove to be. True, there had been vertical twins before, but the Coventry firm's newcomer established a formula that would be adopted by all of Britain's major motorcycle manufacturers in the succeeding decade. And whereas previous vertical twins had suffered from excess bulk, Turner's was lighter and narrower across the crankcase than the contemporary single-cylinder Tiger 90 (whose cycle parts it shared) and from certain angles looked just like a twin-port single. This was just what the conservatively minded motorcycling public wanted, and the Speed Twin proved an enormous success for Triumph, lifting the company out of the economic doldrums and setting it on the road to future prosperity. Performance proved exemplary for a road-going 500, around 85mph being attainable by the Speed Twin, while the Tiger 100 sports version could reach the 'ton' under favourable conditions. Owned by the vendor for the last 56/57 years, this Speed Twin is presented in 'barn find' condition having been kept in dry storage since it was last used in 1964. Representing a rare opportunity to acquire a pre-war example of one of the most influential motorcycles of all time, 'CBM 347' comes with a dating certificate and V5C document and is sold strictly as viewed.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Rare, one-year-only model supplied with factory Racing Kit 1953 Triumph 498cc T100C ProjectRegistration no. PKC 87Frame no. 41912Engine no. T100.C.41912•One of fewer than 600 T100Cs built•Long-term family ownership (since 1957)•Off the road in dry storage since circa 1970•Offered for restoration'In 1953 and for one year only, Triumph produced a factory hot-rod, the 500cc T100C Tiger. This was street-legal but with the previous year's optional Racing Kit now factory fitted... In all, the mods brought output to 42bhp, a useful 10bhp increase over the standard T100.' – Ian Falloon.The Tiger 100 sports version of Edward Turner's trend-setting Speed Twin was launched in 1938, reappearing in 1946 with telescopic forks in place of the original girders, and separate dynamo and magneto instead of the pre-war version's magdyno. Produced almost unchanged for the next three years, the Tiger gained Triumph's distinctive headlamp nacelle in 1949 when the range was restyled. A die cast alloy cylinder head and barrel were adopted for 1951, these and other engine improvements boosting power to 32bhp. For Tiger owners who wished to go racing, Triumph offered a kit of performance parts that included high-compression pistons, 'hot' cams, up-rated valve springs, twin carburettors, megaphone exhausts, etc. For 1953 the racing kit was dropped but most of the parts found their way onto a new competition-orientated production model: the T100C. Produced for that year only, the T100C is one of the rarest and most collectible of post-war Triumphs. This matching-numbers T100C, one of fewer than 600 built, comes with an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1961) showing that it was first registered to the current vendor's father on 9th February 1957. Its registration number indicates that the machine was first registered in Liverpool in December 1953. Last on the road circa 1970, since when it has been garage stored, the Triumph has belonged to the vendor since his father passed away some 12 years ago. Original and un-restored, the machine has been inspected by a VMCC examiner and we are advised that he was happy with his findings with regard to the frame, engine, gearbox, etc. Original spares with machine include a rear light; twin-carburettor inlet manifold; carburettor float chamber and pipework; throttle twist-grip; and a front numberplate. Additional documentation consists of a V5C document and copy of the late owner's HP payments book.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1982 Kawasaki Z1300Registration no. MHX 457XFrame no. KZT30A-013486Engine no. KZT30AE014368Having seen its Z1000 deposed as top superbike by Honda's outrageous six-cylinder CBX, it was inevitable that Kawasaki would strike back. Enter the Z1300. Launched in 1978 to a fanfare of superlatives - biggest, heaviest, most powerful, fastest - Kawasaki's new flagship was more super-tourer than outright sports bike, its 140mph top speed notwithstanding. Weighing close to 700lb and producing an astonishing - at that time - 120bhp, the Z1300 promised to be a real handful but in fact handled 'predictably and reassuringly over virtually any kind of surface' according to Bike magazine. Only the Big Zed's upright riding position and limited range - despite a six-gallon fuel tank - took the gloss off the stupendous performance afforded by that admirably smooth and torquey six-cylinder engine. Sold in limited numbers, the Z1300 today is a highly sought after modern classic. Purchased from Edwin Ferneyhough Vehicle Sales in 2017, this Z1300 was immediately treated to extensive refurbishment at great expense as evidenced by numerous bills on file issued by marque specialists Zed Parts, including one of £1,200 for a new stainless exhaust system. Last run earlier this year and described by the private vendor as in good condition, with excellent brightwork, the machine is offered with a quantity of expired MoTs; a V5C registration document; MoT to 14th May 2020; and the aforementioned bills (inspection recommended).Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1990 Honda VFR400R Type NC30Registration no. G35 ATRFrame no. NC30 1013267Engine no. NC13E - 1213288Following the VFR750R (RC30) superbike's arrival in the late 1980s, it was only to be expected that some of its style and technology would rub off on Honda's smaller V4s. The first of these was the NC21, which was followed by the NC24 with RC30-style single-sided swinging arm. Restricted to a maximum of 59PS (59.8bhp) for the Japanese market, they were not officially imported into the UK, unlike the successor NC30, which boasted a specification not far short of the RC's: alloy beam frame, single-sided swinger, close-ratio gearbox, twin-lamp fairing, RC-type brakes and a 360-degree crankshaft; a class-leading specification justified by the fact that Honda had it sights set on the Isle of Man TT's Supersport 400 class. Boasting RC30 looks and equal build quality, but at a fraction of the cost, the NC30 is one of the most collectible classics of the 1990s. Imported into the UK in 1997, this NC30 currently displays a total of 41,209km (25,605 miles) on the odometer. We are advised by the private vendor that a full service and repairs was carried out in 2018 and 2019, and that the machine is in generally very good condition, having last run in February 2020. The only notified deviations from factory specification are a Tyga sports exhaust and a Nitron shock absorber. Accompanying paperwork consists of sundry bills, a V5C document, and MoTs dating back to 2001.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1973 Moto Morini ZetaZetaFrame no. ZZ42055Engine no. P/4Moto Morini founder Alfonso Morini split from MM in 1937, setting up a foundry in Bologna. Post-WW2 he returned to motorcycle manufacture, commencing with a 125cc two-stroke and then a similar-sized SOHC four-stroke single. Within a few years the range would consist of four-strokes only. One of the smallest machines in Moto Morini's range at the time of its introduction in 1963, the 50cc overhead-valve-engined Corsarino (little racer) was intended to give youngsters an introduction to 'real' motorcycling. The diminutive Corsarino proved popular despite being relatively expensive; the fact that it was a four-stroke in a market sector dominated by two-strokes no doubt enhancing its appeal. Its engine was also used for the ZetaZeta sports roadster, though the design of this example's power unit is quite different. We are advised that the engine's bottom-end has been modified by Giancarlo Morbidelli, and that this machine may be a prototype. There are no documents with this Lot.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1965 Italjet 49cc Sports RoadsterFrame no. 25833Engine no. unable to locateItaljet was founded in 1959 by ex-Italian road-race champion Leopoldo Tartarini, a gifted engineer and designer whose many collaborations with Ducati include styling the Darmah range of v-twins. Over the years Italjet used proprietary engines from numerous suppliers including Minarelli, CZ, MZ, Yamaha, and Triumph. Almost every conceivable type of motorcycle was made, including competition and schoolboy models and a succession of stylish scooters. In the 1990s, Italjet launched the Dragster, Formula and Velocifero scooters, and in 1998 an Italjet Formula was exhibited as part of The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Apparently original and complete, this rare early Minarelli-engined Italjet is offered for restoration (it should be noted that the carburettor float chamber is damaged). There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1952 Capriolo 75cc SportFrame no. 08239Engine no. 07465Named after the roe deer, the Capriolo marque emerged in 1948 from the ashes of the giant Caproni group, formerly one of Italy's largest manufacturing concerns. Between the world wars, Caproni manufactured mostly bombers and light transport aircraft, and only turned to motorcycle production after WW2. The firm commenced two-wheeled production with a 50cc ultra-lightweight before swiftly moving on to a 75cc model, the Capriolo 75, which was notable for its use of a pressed-steel frame and an unusual four-stroke engine of the overhead 'face cam' type, which also featured a longitudinal (rather than transverse) crankshaft. Sports versions won their class in the 1954 Milan-Taranto and 1955 Giro Motociclistico d'Italia, proving the effectiveness of this seemingly eccentric design. A type rarely seen outside its native Italy, this incomplete Capriolo 75 is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with an old Italian registration document (1960).Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1953 Capriolo 75Frame no. 09162Engine no. 19208Named after the roe deer, the Capriolo marque emerged in 1948 from the ashes of the giant Caproni group, formerly one of Italy's largest manufacturing concerns. Between the world wars, Caproni manufactured mostly bombers and light transport aircraft, and only turned to motorcycle production after WW2. The firm commenced two-wheeled production with a 50cc ultra-lightweight before swiftly moving on to a 75cc model, the Capriolo 75, which was notable for its use of a pressed-steel frame and an unusual four-stroke engine of the overhead 'face cam' type, which also featured a longitudinal (rather than transverse) crankshaft. Sports versions won their class in the 1954 Milan-Taranto and 1955 Giro Motociclistico d'Italia, proving the effectiveness of this seemingly eccentric design. A type rarely seen outside its native Italy, this four-speed Capriolo 75 is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1953 Aermacchi 125NFrame no. 12517886Engine no. illegibleA household name among motorcyclists thanks to its heroic achievement of producing the most highly developed and successful overhead-valve racing single ever, Aermacchi was a relative latecomer to motorcycle manufacture, building its first in the late 1940s. Designed by Lino Tonti, previously with Benelli, the 125 was a scooter-like machine with open frame, which was powered by a 123cc two-stroke engine that was mounted horizontally and pivoted with the rear suspension. Unlike most scooters, the Aermacchi used 17' wheels, so handled more like a conventional motorcycle. Fuel was carried in a tank under the seat, the forward compartment being intended for tools or luggage. By 1953 there were three versions on offer: the base model U, deluxe N and M sports roadster, the latter boasting a fuel tank in the conventional motorcycle position. This rare early Aermacchi is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1952 Aermacchi 125NFrame no. 12511729Engine no. 12511729A household name among motorcyclists thanks to its heroic achievement of producing the most highly developed and successful overhead-valve racing single ever, Aermacchi was a relative latecomer to motorcycle manufacture, building its first in the late 1940s. Designed by Lino Tonti, previously with Benelli, the 125 was a scooter-like machine with open frame, which was powered by a 123cc two-stroke engine that was mounted horizontally and pivoted with the rear suspension. Unlike most scooters, the Aermacchi used 17' wheels, so handled more like a conventional motorcycle. Fuel was carried in a tank under the seat, the forward compartment being intended for tools or luggage. By 1953 there were three versions on offer: the base model U, deluxe N and M sports roadster, the latter boasting a fuel tank in the conventional motorcycle position. This rare early Aermacchi is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1956 CM Francolino 175Frame no. CM814Engine no. CM175FS 814CM was founded in Bologna in 1930 by rider/engineers Oreste Drusiani (whose son Alfonso would later find fame with Mondial) and Mario Cavedagna. Powered by overhead-valve and overhead-camshaft engines of various capacities up to 500cc, CM's motorcycles soon gained a reputation for both indestructibility and speed, its 'cammy' 350 ridden successfully by Guglielmo Sandri in the mid-1930s being particularly noteworthy. The company kept faith with the four-stroke engine in the immediately post-war years and then in 1949 introduced the first of a range of two-strokes, the ultimate expression of which was a 250cc twin. But the company was not yet done with four-stroke models, launching the overhead-cam Francolino 175 sports roadster in 1956. Belatedly climbing aboard the scooter bandwagon in 1958, the firm had ceased production by the decade's end. This exquisite CM Francolino had already been restored when acquired for the Morbidelli Museum.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
c.1979 Benelli 254 QuattroFrame no. BH 11718Engine no. BH 1842Revitalised following its take-over by Argentine industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso, Benelli launched a range of new four- and six-cylinder sports bikes in the 1970s. Smallest of the range was the 254 (actually 231cc) quarter-litre roadster, its name deriving from '250cc/four cylinders'. When introduced in 1976, the 254 was one of the most expensive 250s on sale anywhere, but then its specification did include cast alloy wheels, Brembo disc brakes, and an electric starter. Stunningly styled and built like a watch, the high-revving lightweight had 27.8bhp on tap, which was good enough for a top speed of over 90mph (Motorcycle Mechanics achieved a best of 94.1mph at MIRA). A couple of years later the model was restyled, gaining a small handlebar fairing and some new colour schemes. Apparently original and correct, this example currently displays a total of 7,671km (4,767 miles) on the odometer. There are no documents with this Lot.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1951 FB Mondial 125cc 4T SportFrame no. 1127Engine no. 1127Few marques have achieved so fine a competition record in so short a time as FB Mondial. FB Mondial was founded in the aftermath of WW2 by the Boselli family, whose first venture into powered transport had been with the FB (Fratelli Boselli) three-wheeled delivery van in the 1930s. The name 'Mondial' first appeared on a motorcycle in 1948, when the Boselli brothers introduced a revolutionary double-overhead-camshaft 125cc racer. Mondial's miniature masterpiece duly brought the Bologna manufacturer its first World Championship the following year and proved equally dominant in 1950 and '51. After a relatively lean spell, Mondial returned to Grand Prix glory in 1957, taking both the 125cc and 250cc World Championships. Not surprisingly, Mondial's passion for racing rubbed off on its road range, which was exquisitely engineered and beautifully constructed in a manner unmistakably Italian. The 125cc FB Mondial 4T sports roadster offered here is an older restoration by an Italian specialist. A superb acquisition for any collection and a welcome entry in next year's Moto Giro d'Italia, the machine is offered with an old Italian registration document (1963) and ACI papers.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1954 MV Agusta 175cc CS Sport 'Disco Volante'Frame no. 404353/36Engine no. 450204SS•Iconic MV model•Earles fork version•One 'push' mile since restoration by a specialist'The single-cam 175, introduced in 1952 and put into production in 1954, was of fundamental importance to the technical, commercial and sporting evolution of the marque. From an engineering point of view, the 175 CS was important because it was the first 4-stroke MV to go into volume production...' – Colombo & Patrignani, MV Agusta.Having commenced motorcycle production late in 1945 with a 98cc two-stroke, Meccanica Verghera (MV) introduced its first production four-strokes, the single-cylinder 175 CST and CSTL, at the Milan Show in 1952, the newcomers' advanced overhead-cam, unitary construction engine setting them apart from most of the opposition. Their cycle parts too were state-of-the-art, consisting of a duplex loop frame incorporating the engine as a stressed member, oil-damped telescopic front fork, swinging-arm rear suspension, and full-width alloy hubs. A year later the 175 CS Sport arrived featuring an engine in a higher state of tune that increased maximum power to 11bhp at 6,700rpm and pushed top speed to 117km/h (73mph). Alternative versions with either a race-developed Earles-type leading-link fork (suggested by MV's Grand Prix rider, Les Graham) or conventional telescopics were offered. It was not just new sports roadster's cutting-edge technical specification that set the public's pulse racing but also its styling, for the model featured a sculpted fuel tank, almost circular when viewed from above, that soon gained it the popular sobriquet 'Disco Volante' (Flying Saucer). The ultimate development of the line arrived in 1955 in the shape of the 175 CS Super Sport, which came with 18bhp on tap and a top speed of around 135km/h (85mph). Not surprisingly, the 175 CS Sport Disco Volante was soon MV's best seller. Production of these highly successful models continued until 1958. This Disco Volante has covered only one 'push' mile since being restored by a specialist. The machine is offered with an old Italian registration document issued Pesaro in 1966. Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
1957 Laverda 100 Sport Bialbero Production Racing MotorcycleFrame no. 571530Engine no. obscuredLaverda's first product, the 75cc four-stroke Motoleggera (lightweight motorcycle) helped meet the unprecedented upsurge in demand for basic motorised transport, and modified versions were soon winning their class in the long-distance road races popular at the time. In 1951, Laverda's new 'MT' (Milan-Taranto) sports model crushed the opposition, filling the top five positions in the 75cc category while in 1953 there were 75cc-class wins in the Moto Giro d'Italia and Milan-Taranto again. In 1954 the new 98cc '100 MT' scored a debut win in the Giro and occupied six out of the first seven places in the Milan-Taranto's 100cc category, victory going to Laverda rider Giovanni Larquier. The engine of this Laverda 100 Sport has been modified by Giancarlo Morbidelli to incorporate twin overhead camshafts (the valves were originally opened via pushrods). The project took six months to complete and was finished just in time for the 1992 Moto Giro d'Italia. Giancarlo finished the six-day 1,800-kilometre event, run in rally format, and won the stage from Bellaggio to Modena. Restored in the Morbidelli Museum's workshop, the machine is offered with paperwork, correspondence, articles and certificates relating to Giancarlo Morbidelli's successful participation in the 1992 Moto Giro.Footnotes:As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: NN If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, undertaken by Bonhams upon a successful sale, to facilitate the registration of the machine here in the UK.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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