Bonhams completed its two-day Stafford Sale of classic motorcycles this past weekend in England by claiming a European record for such a sale at $5.57 million.
The first day of the sale featured the Lonati Collection, a single-owner collection of some 60 vintage American bikes that sold for $2.05 million.
The second day of the sale featured a variety of consignments, with “projects” — parts awaiting restoration and reassembly — leading the way. A 1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport project sold for $400,132 and a 1926 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport project went for $365,539.
Meanwhile, the 1937 Brough Superior 990cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport that had been on display at the Olympia Motorcycle Show and was rebuilt by the factory in 1957 sold for $322,299.
“It’s been an excellent weekend at Stafford, with a two-day sale that has grossed an incredible £3.6 million, a new record for the sale,” Ben Walker, Bonhams’ international director for collector motorcycles, said in a news release.
“With great looks, excellent engineering and a prestigious reputation, it’s no surprise Brough Superior continues to prove popular with enthusiasts willing to spend strong figures for both complete bikes and restoration projects, as we’ve witnessed at today’s sale.”
The auction also featured several motorcycles owned by former Top Gear presenter James May, aka “Capt. Slow,” including a 1967 Honda CB450 “Black Bomber” that brought $9,235.
Bonhams is scheduled to stage its annual Las Vegas motorcycle auction on January 7, 2016, at Bally’s Hotel & Casino.
