Barry Sheene helmets auctioned in UK

The pair of AGV full-face lids, from the 1980 and 81-82 racing seasons, are well patinated and carry Sheene's signature 'Donald Duck' graphic and Akai logos from when the legendary Brit (and honorary Aussie) raced for Akai Yamaha following his time with Heron Suzuki in the late 1970s.

The 1980 season helmet was described by Bonhams as a one-off design, with distinctive gold 'wings' on the side. The 1981-82 helmet features the more familiar '7' numeral on each side, while both carry the familiar 'Barry Sheene' hand-painted script on the rear.

At Stafford, the pair made almost AU$15,000, the older helmet selling for AU$4,681, while the 81-82 lid made an impressive AU$10,299 (both prices including buyer's premium).

It's a reflection of Sheene's enduring popularity that Randy Mamola and Kork Ballington helmets offered at the same auction made only a fraction of these prices.

Full results and further details from Bonhams Stafford auction, where a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow was the top seller at AU$170,000, and overall sales topped AU$2.102 million, go to www.bonhams.com

Images: courtesy of Bonhams UK