On February 27, 2010 at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in Hendon, England, Bonhams will auction 100 mainly pre-1950 motorcycles belonging to a prominent Spanish private collector.
This extraordinarily diverse collection includes a brace of De Dion Bouton-engined machines dating from the closing years of the 19th Century, as well as nine 4-cylinder models from the likes of FN, Ace, Cleveland, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Nimbus and Zündapp.
V-twin engined motorcycles are another predominant theme, with no fewer than 18 in the collection including examples from Harley-Davidson, Sunbeam, Vincent, Motosacoche, Peugeot, Matchless, BSA and, of course, Brough Superior in the form of a 1931 SS100. Rare marques represented include Vindec, Wanderer, Acme, Rikuo, Böhmerland, PMZ, Griffon, Standard, Diamant, Laurin & Klement, Phebus and Mabeco. For all collectors and enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very special machine. For more information about the sale, to order a printed catalog, view the online catalog, and to register to bid in person or by absentee, go to Bonhams or contact Katherine Boyle at katherine.boyle@bonhams.com
This is a great way to obtain a Dream! To own a Brough Superior or a Vincent Black Shadow, or 30’s Vintage Harley Davidson, and to be able to feed one’s ego further. No thanks, I want Bikes that I can ride and the newer the Better. By the way, I don’t think they have Financing, at the Auction! ha!
It ain’t about ego. It’s about history! Sure the vast majority will never see one of these in person, let alone ride one. If it doesn’t matter to you how you got here, how can you appreciate where you are at. One day that new bike you are riding will be an antique. Will the memories be fond? Hell yea! More power to the people that keep these historic bikes alive. They all have my thanks and appreciation.
They sure paid attention to hardware detail in the 20’s & 30’s.
Look at the saddle horn base that is attached to the tank on that Phebus & Macebo 🙂
Those guys knew how to bend tubes.
Thanks for the link Cyril, although I could not afford any of these today it is an amazing collection of bikes -;0)
John E Adams
Wow. An impressive collection to say the least.
This auction is on at the same time as the Ace Cafe Bike Show at Alexandra Palace which is only 18 miles away – sounds like i might combine the two – buy a T Shirt at the Ace and a catalogue at Bonhams. If any of you guys come to the UK i would also always recommend the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham for an amazing collection of British Iron.
VERY COOL !!!!!!!!!! Really impressive collection !
Can you hear that squeaky voice from afar ? That’s Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Leno ! I bet he has his guys going over there to buy several of these ! WOW ! ! 🙂
If your a bike lover this is like Bridget Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch up for auction… How is this possible ? LOL
…….i just downloaded the catalogue and have taken a real shine for Lot 19, maybe it has no reserve and I will get lucky.
if you ever get to the south of england go to the sammy miller motorcycle museum his collection is around 400 bikes strong and alot of the marques that are being auctioned are on display and its only $8 to get in, cheaper than buying if this auction is out of your price range.
I’ve just got an invite to go to the photocall at Hendon RAF Museum on Thursday … Very, very tempted to go!
I love those bikes. But simply not affordable 🙁
John E Adams .
Enjoyed your site. Good work.
Clydes swamp walk and studio/processing in Venice Fl. enjoyed both
…love to see old iron but as johny said….NOT AFFORDABLE.
Might be a good inflation hedge…….????
-nicker-
What we can say about those antique motorcycles?
They are very special builds, loots of history, loots of value, etc……
Collecting motorcycles and parts can be highly addictive. With that said, the best way to start collecting vintage motorcycle gas tanks is to do your homework. Gather information online, and join your local antique motorcycle club. Then shop for gas tanks, get them restored and learn how to clean them yourself.