Amidst the motorcycle finery presented by Silverstone’s first-ever standalone motorcycle auction was what easily could have been overlooked as a relatively ordinary vintage bike, a 1978 Honda CB400F.
But this was a Honda with a difference. The 400cc, 4-cylinder motorcycle has never been used, presented as 100 percent complete and original, and with just one mile on its odometer.
As such, it sold for a resounding £15,975 ($21,604), an impressive result that broke the world record for that model sold at auction.
Silverstone Auction’s sale of 120 motorcycles was held at the Carol Nash MCN Motorcycle Show at ExCel in London, where it achieved £767,000 ($1,037,760) in sales and a 75 percent sales rate.
The top-selling bike of the auction was a “superbly presented” 1936 Brough Superior SS80 982cc, which sold for £61,875 ($8,3717).
Another historically significant motorcycle was a 1927 Triumph Works TT 489cc racing motorcycle, believed to be one of six factory racers entered by Triumph in the Isle of Man TT races in 1927, and which sold for £41,625 ($56,319).
Starting off the auction was a special appearance by motorcycle TT racing legend Maria Costello MBE, who serves as Motorcycles Brand Ambassador, as she reviewed some of the special motorcycle offerings at the sale, including the record-breaking Honda.
Silverstone’s next motorcycle auction will be held during the MCN Motorcycle Festival at East of England Arena, Peterborough, on May 15. For complete results from the London auction, visit the Silverstone website.