The classic motorcycle auction at next month’s Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show looks like being one of the most exciting in years, with a selection of 200 post-war race and road bikes from the Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum going under the hammer at Bonhams’ celebrated auction.
Morbidelli was one of many Italian motorcycle manufacturers of the 1960s and ‘70s and enjoyed considerable success in Grand Prix racing during the 1970s, winning the 125cc world title three years in a row from 1975 to 1977, as well as taking the 250cc championship in ’77 with Italian rider Mario Lega.
The collection of 200 motorcycles, which focused mainly on Italian marques as well as Morbidelli’s own machines, was built up over 40 years by eponymous company owner Giancarlo Morbidelli, who sadly passed away last month. Giancarlo, the son of a farmer, ran an engineering company and spent his spare time tuning, building and restoring motorcycles in his private workshop. Until recently the bikes were displayed at the Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy, on the site of the old Morbidelli factory, and Bonhams is calling it ‘the most significant private collection of motorcycles to be offered by the auction house to date.’
Undoubtedly the most eagerly anticipated lot is a 1964 Ducati 125cc Grand Prix racer. Bonhams estimate the four-cylinder machine, created by legendary Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni, will be sold for between £400,000 and £600,000. Adding to the legend of the bike is the fact that it inexplicably disappeared for many years, the engine being found in Latvia and the chassis in Croatia – before Morbidelli restored the legendary machine.
Morbidelli was particularly attached to the Benelli brand, which also hailed from Pesaro, a small town on the Adriatic coast. Among the classic Benelli motorcycles in the auction are the machine Dario Ambrosini rode to three Grand Prix wins and the 1950 250cc world title, and the 1964 Benelli Tarquinio Provini rode to victory at that year’s Spanish Grand Prix. A third Benelli 250GP racer is a 1959 model previously owned by John Surtees, the only man to have won premier world titles on both two and four wheels. A number of Mondial Grand Prix machines will also go under the hammer, although the Morbidelli family will keep the championship winning Morbidelli Grand Prix machines for themselves. One Morbidelli that is going under the hammer is the 125cc Grand Prix machine ridden in 1973 by the legendary Spanish rider Angel Nieto, which is expected to raise between £80,000 and £120,000.
The auction also includes Morbidelli’s collection of international machines, including motorcycles from Honda, Harley-Davidson and Matchless. As well as the fully restored bikes, there are a number of unfinished projects, unusual prototypes, memorabilia and complete barn finds, which Giancarlo had not got around to starting. No reserve prices have been put on most of the lots, meaning that there could be a bargain or two to be had.
Ben Walker, International Department Director for Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles, explained: “We are very proud to have been entrusted with the sale of this stunning collection, carefully put together over 40 years by Giancarlo Morbidelli, which is a fitting tribute to this master of the motorcycling world.
“Giancarlo’s passion for machines is evident in his Grand Prix involvement. His restorations were exceptional, he was a stickler for detail, and a man of invention. This is very clear when looking at the collection.
“With the majority of this collection being offered at ‘no reserve’, this will be a unique opportunity for motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts from across the globe to bid for some truly special lots and indeed, a piece of history. We expect international interest from collectors and enthusiasts who will give the motorcycles a new lease of life in other collections and homes around the world.”
The auction takes place on the weekend of 25-26 April, at the Stafford Showground. It runs alongside the Carole Nash International Motorcycle Show, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.
As 2020 also marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the show organisers are also planning a 1940s theme for the weekend. As well as the auction, the 2020 event will follow the tried and tested show format beloved of visitors. Expect hundreds of trade and autojumble stands, numerous classic and vintage club stands, fire up areas, the classic dirt bike experience and, of course, the team from Carole Nash will be in attendance to discuss all your classic motorbike insurance needs.
Visit https://www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com/april/ for further information.
