BONHAMS STAFFORD MOTORCYCLE AUCTION

A plethora of spare parts, books, memorabilia and other motorcycling-related items joined the bikes to create more than 500 consigned lots in total. What was impressive about the Stafford auction was the variety of machines on offer. Being a UK auction, British marques dominated, but there were a number of US, European and Japanese bikes amongst the lots on offer, too.

British-built motorcycles featured prominently amongst the top lots, too. A Brough Superior SS100 was expected to be the top lot prior to the auction and didn't disappoint, attracting a final price of $131,300. First registered in 1934, the Brough featured the desirable JAP JTOR/D v-twin, as well as a rare Smiths cable-driven tachometer. The Brough had been subjected to various 'modern' add-ons over its lifespan, before a restoration back to production standard was undertaken in 2004. The Brough had yet to receive its period-correct fuel tank at the time of the auction, but that didn't stop this exceptional machine from achieving the top price.

Vincent also featured prominently amongst the premium offerings, with a one-of-one 1955 Series D Victor attracting particular interest. Essentially a 499cc Comet single with the enclosed bodywork that signified the final v-twin offerings from Vincent, the Victor was described as the sole factory prototype built. Provided with extensive documentation, the Victor was in superb condition, and its rarity was reflected in its final price of $107,100. Lot 471 was another Comet-based Vincent in the form of a 1951 Grey Flash replica. The original Grey Flash was developed as a race variant of the Comet single, featuring a tuned engine that could reach 115mph (184kph). Only 31 Grey Flashes were built, and while it failed to make in impact in TT competition, it was successful in short circuit races. The high standard replica attracted a final sale price of $14,950. A 1949 Vincent HRD Black Shadow was another lot of note. A matching numbers example from a Vincent collection, the fully restored Series C Shadow went for $38,900.

'Vinnylonglegs', Stuart Wilkinson's ultra-high mileage 1955 Vincent Black Prince, attracted a lot of attention prior to the Stafford auction. Wilkinson bought the bike new and used it as his daily rider, as well as his mount of choice for tours throughout Europe and Scandinavia. By 1980, Wilkinson was using the Vincent for his continental tour business. Much of the Black Prince's distinctive full bodywork had been removed by then, Wilkinson fitting his own twin-headlight half-fairing, tall screen and five gallon custom panniers. Wilkinson also added disc front brakes, a modified front frame section from another Series C Vincent, Koni suspension and upgraded electrics. The modifications, and a claimed mileage of 721,703 (which has since been disputed), may be reasons why Vinnylonglegs failed to meet its reserve.

The Carl Fogarty Ducatis were the other prime lots from the Stafford auction, and Lot 426, a 1998 916 SPS 'Fogarty Replica' proved to be the pick of them. Number 002 of 202 total units built, this example was given to Fogarty by Ducati for his success with the Bologna marque in World Superbike competition (Ducati retained chassis #001 for their museum). Originally carrying the UK registration of 'S3 FOG' (referring to Fogarty's three SBK championships), Fogarty auctioned the bike in 2005. Having covered only 7 miles during its time in Fogarty's ownership, and less than 20 in the hands of its second owner, the ex-Fogarty machine was as near to new as you're likely to get. Its condition and Fogarty connection was reflected in its final price of $27,600. The second Fogarty-connected Ducati on offer was a 1993 888 Corsa. Factory-prepared for Fogarty to race at selected British championship and endurance events, including the 1993 Isle of Man TT and North West 200, the Corsa was ridden to victory by Fogarty in that year's 200. After being crashed late in 1993 (not by Fogarty, it should be noted), the Corsa was purchased by a UK domestic race team, where it was raced by Michael Rutter throughout 1994. In 1998, the machine was fully restored back to its original Fogarty-era specification, including Moto Cinelli livery. Part of an enthusiast's collection since 2005, the 888 Corsa was offered with documentation and related memorabilia items, but failed to reach its expected $26 - 30,000 reserve. A TT-winning (1990's Formula 1 and Senior TT) 1989 Honda RC30 was another ex-Fogarty racer which also failed to meet its reserve.

Continuing the race bike theme, a 1957 Gilera four cylinder 500cc Grand Prix recreation attracted $84,000. The result was surprising given the bike was a recreation, not a genuine ex-works racer. The quality of the recreation, however, couldn't be faulted. Six were built by UK specialists, Kay Engineering in 2003, all of which were based around a 1957 example, generally agreed to be the pinnacle of the Gilera 500 four's development. The Kays used a genuine example, on loan from the Gilera museum, as reference for the recreations, and the auctioned example was built with the intent to compete in classic race events like the Manx Grand Prix. A change in the vendor's circumstances meant the Gilera was run in, but never raced in anger.

DMW would be a name lost to all but the most devoted British motorcycle enthusiast, but it didn't stop a rare example of their 'Typhoon' Grand Prix prototype attracting an impressive $19,550. Dawson's Motors Wolverhamption started off building Villiers-engined roadbikes in the 1950s, before taking on the challenge of building winning trials bikes and, in the form of the 500cc Typhoon, a grand prix race bike as well. The example on offer was created by combining two of DMW's 250cc engines and was the first prototype completed. Severe vibration and underpowered brakes saw the Typhoon project abandoned in 1965. Recommissioned in the mid-1980s, the Typhoon went through various hands in an effort to unleash its potential. While most of its problems were eventually overcome, a lack of spares for its 'old technology' running gear saw the bike retired a decade ago.

Other high-selling classic racebikes included a 1961 Manx Norton which went for $29,900, 1958 AJS 7R which attracted a final price of $26,450 and an ex-Henry Stanford 'Mead Norton' 250 which sold for $19,838.
A race bike of interest, for its odd appearance if nothing else, was lot 365, part of the 'Peril Speed Equipe' known as the 'Yellow Peril'. First built around a 650cc Triumph in 1960 by self-taught engineer and racer, Bill Bragg, the Equipe was intended for drag racing competition in the UK. To improve streamlining, Bragg purchased an ex-WWII fighter plane drop tank to make an aerodynamic fairing in the style of American 'lakes racers'. The first to do this in the UK, Bragg was dissatisfied with early results using the 'round' end of the teardrop-shaped tank, so in the spirit of experimentation, he simply turned it around, hoping the 'pointy' end would cut through the air better! Nicknamed 'Yellow Peril' for its bright yellow fairing, it also featured unusual forward-routed exhausts, which exited through holes in the distinctive fairing. Reasonably successful as both a solo and sidecar sprint machine, Yellow Peril was followed by two further creations from Bragg, dubbed 'Scarlet Peril' and 'Blue Peril' respectively. When Bragg emigrated to Australia in 1966, the Perils were forgotten and thought to be lost until all three turned up in 1999. Restored in the 00s and raced at selected events, the Yellow Peril was a display bike in the UK's National Motor Museum alongside the restored Blue Peril until 2009. Despite its uniqueness, the Yellow Peril failed to meet its pre-auction estimate.

Amongst the roadbike offerings at Stafford, one of the more intriguing was the 'DVW', a 1957 Douglas Dragonfly powered by a 1300cc Volkswagen flat four engine. Originally built in 1966 as a sidecar hauler with a difference, the DVW was rebuilt in 1973, adding a BMW gearbox and Suzuki rear end. A home-built double adult sidecar was added in 1977. The outfit was claimed to be capable of a 150 kph top speed and was also equipped to tow a camping trailer. Despite being in shabby condition, the DVW was an intriguing machine that went for the bargain price of only $403! A trio of Brockhouse Corgis, the civilianised version of the Welbike used by British paratroopers in WWII, were also of interest. All three sold, with the top price of $690 going to the unit that been 'militarised' with olive drab paint, webbing pouches and army serial numbers.

The Stafford auction also attracted a number of classics from the early days of motorcycling, with the premier lot arguably being #378, a very rare 1911 Pierce Four. Featuring a 688cc inline four cylinder engine, the Pierce was innovative - for the time - in its use of the frame as tanks for the oil and fuel. Found in Italy, the Pierce had been fully restored to concours running condition and attracted a final price of $54,300. Just as impressive was lot 381, a 1906 NSU 5 ½ hp v-twin. Rebuilt with parts sourced from all over the world, including Australia, over a period of 12 years, the rare NSU sold for $24,150. A 1924 Sunbeam 4 1/4hp outfit comprised lot 467. Sunbeam's top-of-the-range offering for that year, the 599cc single could be ordered with a factory sidecar, upping the as-new cost to more than the average man's yearly wage for the period. This example was found in the mid-1960s by one of Bonhams' own staffers and restored to as-new specification. In good order, but needing re-commissioning, the Sunbeam outfit sold for $8,050.

Later model lots of interest included a mildly-restored 1935 Norton CS1 single, which fetched _14,950, and a pair of post-War Norton racers. The 1945 Model 18 and 1949 ES2 were both in good condition and went for $4,600 and $2,530 respectively. Another treat for Norton fans was lot 455, a 1977 Norton 850 Commando. The MkIII Interstate model was documented as the last one built, and had travelled a mere 7 miles in the last 34 years. Its significance as the 'last of the breed' was reflected in its $18,975 final price.

Germany wasn't neglected at Stafford either, with a number of classic BMWs crossing the blocks. A pair of BMW R50/2s, a 1964 and 1969 model, went for $3,450 and $8,510 respectively. More interesting was lot 360, a 1959 R69. One of BMW's premium offerings from the period, what made this particular example unique was that the previous owner, having lost his left arm in accident, transferred all the handlebars controls to the right hand side. He then proved the workability of the change by adding a 'Hoske' large capacity fuel tank and touring throughout Europe on his modified machine. This well cared for example sold for $9,200.
Later model Harley-Davidsons appear to be growing in favour with collectors, as evidenced by the $14,950 paid for an example of Harley's rare, fire-breathing XR1000. The USA was also represented by a trio of Indians, with a restored 1912 Big Twin the best-seller at $23,000, followed by a 1919 Powerplus, which attracted a final sale price of $14,720.

Finally, Stafford was given an Aussie flavour in the form of the Dryvtech 2x2x2, a unique machine built by innovative Australian engineer, Ian Drysdale. As the name suggests, the 2x2x2 was a two wheel drive motorcycle, but had the added novelty of two wheel steering. Using hub centre steering and hydraulic drive to both wheels, the 2x2x2 could basically be ridden in a stationary circle - if desired! - and achieve a top speed of 100 kph from its Maico 250cc two-stroke motor. Drysdale sold the one-of concept to the Donington Motor Museum in 1998, where it had been on display since. The 2x2x2 sold for $5,750.

With 93 percent of the bike lots on offer finding new owners, Bonhams' Stafford auction was considered a resounding success. Total sales from the motorcycles alone exceeded more than $2 million. The spare parts and memorabilia lots, including items relating to Stanley Woods and Mike Hailwood, also sold well. The comprehensive motorcycle racing photo collection of Ken Jones (ex-Motor Cycle News magazine in the UK) was the most keenly contested lot, eventually selling for $22,800. Collections of original motorcycle sales brochures sold well, while TT trophies, including an ex-Hailwood trophy from 1967, were also popular items.