Last weekend’s Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash was another massive success, with some high profile sales at the accompanying Bonhams’ auction once again grabbing the headlines.
While showgoers enjoyed hearing the tales of racing legends Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash main stage, autojumbling and seeing some of the best examples of classic motorcycles in the country today, collectors were going crazy over some extremely rare bikes going under the hammer in the auction hall.
Much interest focussed on two ex-Joey Dunlop race bikes, which were being sold by the Dunlop family. The Honda RC30 on which Joey had set a new lap record and won the 1988 Formula One and Senior TTs found a new home for £132,250, while his 1999 Ulster Grand Prix winning RC45 sold for £92,000. Both bikes had been on display at Joey’s Bar in Ballymoney, the racing icon’s pub in his hometown, and represented a unique opportunity to own such historically important machines.
For all the Dunlop Hondas attracted the headlines, top billing once again went to a Brough Superior, with a 1929 SS100 selling for £184,000. The legendary machines were groundbreaking in their day, being the first motorcycles capable of achieving 100mph, and remain hugely collectable, headlining any auction in which they feature.
This particular example was in what the auctioneers described as ‘garage find’ condition and had previously been owned by two renowned names from the classic vehicle scene – former Vintage Sports Car Club President Kenneth Neve and famed racing driver, collector and TV presenter Alain de Cadenet.
The Brough was one of four classic motorbikes commanding six figure prices at Stafford. An expertly restored 1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide also topped £180k, £181,700 to be precise, with Dunlop’s RC30 the third highest seller and an immaculate 1974 Ducati 750 SS fetching £103,500.
Not that the auction was only for millionaires, as a number of classic motorbikes sold for under £1000. The eclectic mix of machines encompassed almost everything from scooters to sports bikes, with many great starter classics selling for a few thousand pounds.
Outside of the auction room, the Stafford County Showground was buzzing as visitors enjoyed everything this evergreen show has to offer with club stands, private entries, trade areas, stunt shows and bike startups. It once again proved the perfect place for classic bike enthusiasts to share their passion… roll on next year!
