Bonhams Stafford auction racks up almost £3m
One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the classic bike calendar saw £2,752,416 change hands yesterday, as bikes from a MotoGP world champion, a speedway legend and a 1914 Henderson went under the hammer at Bonham’s annual autumn auction.
Taking place alongside the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at the Staffordshire County Showground, the auction always brings with it an eclectic mix of historically significant motorcycles and memorabilia.
It was an American made Henderson from 1914 that performed the strongest this year. The inline four cylinder, 1068cc, machine achieved £113,500 against an estimate of between £70,000 and £90,000. The long and low vintage motorcycle was the first Henderson to feature a gearbox, with this particular example in ‘outstandingly original’ condition.
As always, a Brough Superior again fetched top dollar, with a 1932 SS80 De Luxe almost doubling its estimate as the hammer fell at £107,900. Another old auction favourite, MV Agusta, lived up to their reputation too, with a 1972 750S smashing its estimate on the way to achieving £84,380.
"star of the show, Jorge Lorenzo’s 1997 250cc Grand Prix world championship winning bike"
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