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May 24

Bonhams to Sell Rare, Radial-Engined Megola Motorcycle in Paris Auction

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Wednesday, 12 January 2011 12:55

“…probably the most unorthodox motorcycle ever made on a commercial basis…”

Megola

 Headlining the motorcycles consigned to Bonhams first sale at the Grand Palais, Paris is a rare, radial-engined Megola. Powered by a 640cc five-cylinder engine built into the front wheel, the Megola was described by motorcycling historian Erwin Tragatsch as “probably the most unorthodox motorcycle ever made on a commercial basis”. Only some 2,000-or-so were produced in Germany between 1921 and 1925, and today the few survivors are highly prized by collectors. The example on offer was restored circa 1990, has been tested by La Vie de la Moto magazine and shown at the Salon Moto Légende. It is estimated to sell for $187,746-258,960 Demand for the legendary Vincent marque continues unabated and this sale contains three fine examples from the same UK-based private collection: a 1949 Rapide Series B ($33,664 – 38,844), 1950 Comet Series C ($9,711 – 11,653) and 1954 Black Knight Series D with fully enclosed bodywork ($42,728 – 47,907).

Another iconic British make, Brough Superior is presented by the recently rebuilt 1936 SS80 on offer. First introduced in 1922, the SS80 - so-called because of its guaranteed 80mph (129km/h) top speed in road trim - achieved instant fame when a stripped-for-racing version ridden by George Brough became the first sidevalve machine to lap Brooklands at over 100mph (161km/h). Estimate $49,202 – 58,266.

 Early BMWs are among the most collectible of pre-war European motorcycles and the two in this sale – a circa 1928 R62 sidecar outfit ‘barn find’ ($41,433 – 45,318) and a fully restored 1928 R42 solo ($25,896 – 38,844) - represent opposite ends of the condition spectrum.

 Rendered increasingly rare by the passage of time, ‘barn finds’ have become more and more sought after in recent years and the circa 1923 Wanderer v-twin in the sale is a particularly charming example. Estimate $22,011 – 25,896.

 Ben Walker, Head of Motorcycles at Bonhams comments, “It is wonderful to be offering such a fine selection of motorcycles at Paris’ premier venue. It will be particularly interesting to see what price the rare Megola fetches.”