Classic Indians top Shannons Autumn Auction
Despite increasing prices for just about everything and ongoing interest rate rises, there’s still a demand for classic and collectable motorcycles, as evidenced by the results achieved at Shannons Timed Online Autumn Auction, which ran from 23-30 May.
An overall clearance rate of 81 per cent was reflected in the two-wheel offerings - of 29 motorcycles consigned (20 with No Reserve), only three failed to find buyers.
Amongst the No Reserve lots, highlights included a 1954 Sunbeam S7 sidecar outfit, a quartet of Honda Z50 mini bikes, a 1981 Honda CBX1000, 1974 BMW R90/6 outfit, a very rare 1950 Nimbus Model C and a 1929 Harley-Davidson JD, which was the best seller in this group, going for $44,000.
The two best-selling bikes were classic Indian models, from the reserve offerings that also included a 1998 Ducati 916, 1985 Suzuki RG500, 1956 BMW R50 outfit and a very tasty 1955 ‘Triton’ café racer.
The 1916 Indian Powerplus was the oldest motorcycle in the auction and carried a $60,000-70,000 guiding range, based on the popularity of the model and this example’s fully restored condition.
Introduced in 1916, the Powerplus was driven by a new 990cc sidevalve v-twin that was more powerful than the 1000cc IOE v-twin it replaced. The performance of the Powerplus was established by Erwin ‘Cannonball’ Baker, who used one to set a new ‘Three Flags’ (Canada to Mexico) record in late 1915.
Following its introduction, the Powerplus received a number of minor changes, while an optional 1180cc version of the engine was offered from 1920. When Indian introduced the Chief in 1922, the Powerplus was renamed ‘Standard’ and the 1180cc engine dropped. Production of the 990cc version ended in 1924.
The unit on offer with Shannons was discovered on a South Australian farm in complete, original condition in the 1960s. The owner prior to the vendor subjected the Indian to a full, but not overdone, restoration that was completed in 2001 and included period accurate features like a leather saddle and acetylene headlamp.
While prices for the Powerplus vary, depending on model year, original vs restored and other factors, they are highly collectable, so the guiding range Shannons attached to the first-year example in their autumn auction proved accurate, as it sold for $67,000.
The 1926 Big Chief 1200cc twin carried a newer restoration, which included a full engine rebuild with new pistons and valves, which the Victorian owner completed after the bike spent 15 years in storage as part of a WA collection. Described as being ready to display or jump on and enjoy, the Big Chief also sold within estimate, making $49,500.
For more details from this auction, go to: shannons.com.au
