Bonhams Collectors’ Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia sale in Harrogate yesterday (17.11.10) was a resounding success making a grand total of $1.6m. The motorcycle section did particularly well selling 79% by lot and 86% by value to make $212,127. The saleroom was packed with a huge crowd of enthusiasts and collectors and it was a truly international sale with bidders from across the globe.
The top selling motorcycle was a c.1926 Indian 600cc Scout which exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $14,463-19,284 to sell for $26,612. Lot 621, a 1936 BMW 500cc R5 sold for $17,556 while lot 623, a 1958 BSA 500cc Gold Star which had seldom been used since its acquisition, fetched $21,252.
Other notable lots include 617, a 1919 Harley-Davidson 998cc Model F in very good condition that sold for $23,101 and lot 608 – a beautiful and very unusual 1964 DMW 249cc Deemster Police Motorcycle – fetched $7,022.
Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams Motorcycle Department comments, “It was another fantastic sale at Harrogate – the 18th auction we have held here was as popular as ever. The room was packed and enthusiastic bidding meant a successful sale. We’re now looking forward to our next auction which takes place in Las Vegas in January.”