Brit bikes consigned for Shannons timed auction
With COVID-19 social distancing restrictions making in-person auction attendance impossible, Shannons decided to combine their Melbourne and Sydney Autumn Classic auctions into one online-only auction event. The ‘Timed Online Classic’ sale will also break with Shannons tradition in being held over multiple days, instead of a single evening, with bidding open from 20 May to 3 June.
To cater for the new restrictions, all lots include a walkaround video to supplement the usual still images and information provided, with the option for an individual virtual video tour on selected vehicle lots, conducted by a Shannons’ representative.
While the bulk of the 95 lots consigned are cars, automobilia and heritage number plates, there are motorcycles up for grabs, including five British classics. The premium lot in this group is a 1969 Velocette Sportsman.
One of just 40 Sportsmans released in Australia, this example was purchased new from Burling & Simmons on Parramatta Road, Auburn, in Easter, 1970, and has been cherished by its original Sydney owner since.
Well-known in the Velocette community, the bike remained registered in NSW until 2012, when it was deregistered and put into storage. At time of consignment, its odometer showed just 2,983 miles. While still largely original, the Velocette was overhauled mechanically in 1994.
Offered for sale for the first time in 50 years, Shannons have put a guiding range of $18,000 - $22,000 on this one-owner machine.
For fans of post-War Triumphs, a 1961 T120R Bonneville is a desirable machine as it was the fastest and most powerful bike in Triumph’s catalogue for over a decade. This one comes to auction with No Reserve from a private ‘Bonnie’ collection. An early Pre-Unit example, with corresponding engine and frame numbers to prove it, this T120R was fully restored by a specialist workshop in Melbourne several years ago. Presented in the correct Sky Blue over Silver Sheen colour combination, the bike has covered a listed 285 miles since the restoration was completed.
Ready to enjoy, guiding range for this 1961 T120R Bonneville is $15,000 - $18,000.
Two pre-WWII BSAs – a C1935 Model W35-7 and a C1937 M20 – are also offered with No Reserve.
The 1935 W35-7 was fully restored by its previous owner in Western Australia and features a rebuilt motor, numerous new parts and a rare brass trouble light to illuminate the instruments.
The very desirable 1937 M20 has been the subject of an authentic, ground-up restoration by its current owner and comes to auction with the correct hand gear change, Brooklands silencer and fishtail, genuine Smiths speedo and drum speedo gear.
Form the first year of M20 production (confirmed by its frame and engine numbers), this freshly-restored example, showing zero miles on its odometer, would make a great club bike or display piece.
Each of the two BSAs are expected to sell in the $14,000 - $16,000 range.
All the aforementioned bikes are located in Sydney.
The only Melbourne-based bike amongst the Brit consignments is a 1974 Norton Commando MkIIA. Finished in black with gold pinstriping, a black saddle, chrome mudguards and wire wheels, this Commando, from the second year of the MkII era, is still regarded by many as the finest British twin from the sunset period of the British motorcycle industry.
Ready for club runs and weekend cruising, mechanical improvements on this Commando make it a feasible daily ride, too. Shannons’ guiding price is $12,000 - $16,000.
Other motorcycle consignments for this auction include a 1978 Honda CT70 and 1960 Harley-Davidson FL Duo-Glide.
For more details on each bike and instructions on how to register and bid for the Shannons Online Classic Auction, go to: https://www.shannons.com.au/
