Last weekend’s 39th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show at the Stafford Showground saw a number of classic and vintage motorbikes go under the hammer at Bonhams’ eagerly awaited auction, with a number of bikes going for world record amounts.
Star of the show was Bud Ekins’ 1962 Triumph TR6SS Trophy. The Brit twin was owned by the American racer and stuntman who was famous for his collaborations with Hollywood megastar Steve McQueen. Ekins rode the Trophy to a gold medal in the International Six Days Trial and the lot created massive interest, eventually going to an American buyer for £97,750, three times its top estimate.
Another star of the show was a 981cc 1925 Coventry-Eagle Flying-8, which went for £218,500, a record for the underrated marque. The V-twin was bought by a bidder in the room and is destined to join a renowned large motorcycle collection.
This year’s spring Stafford auction was Bonhams’ biggest yet, with over 400 collectors motorcycles offered, from more than 100 marques. The auctioneers also put more than 200 lots of spares and memorabilia under the hammer, at what has become regarded as one of the most significant events of the year for motorcycle collectors.
Malcolm Barber, Co-Chairman of Bonhams and auctioneer for the sale, said: “The Bonhams team has been associated with the Classic Motorcycle Show for the last 35 years. In this time, the Stafford sales have grown exponentially, particularly in recent years, demonstrating the continuing popularity of classic motorcycles around the globe. This weekend’s sale has been another truly memorable auction.”
As always, Brough Superiors featured heavily among the big hitting lots of the weekend. The hammer dropped on a 1926 Alpine Grand Sports for £207,000, while a 1924 SS80 fetched £126,500 and a 1936 combination brought in £71,300.
Top 10 by sale price
1925 Coventry-Eagle 981cc Flying-8 – £218,500
1926 Brough Superior 986cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sports – £207,000
1924 Brough Superior 980cc SS80 – £126,500
1962 Triumph 649cc TR6SS Trophy – £97,750
1935 Vincent-HRD 498cc Series-A Comet – £97,700
1934 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp combination – £71,300
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow – £64,400
Parkin-Vincent 998cc Black Shadow racer – £62,100
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow – £62,100
1968 MV Agusta 861cc Magni – £60,950
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