Kiwi Manx Norton features in UK auction

A 1934 Brough Superior SS100 was the top seller from the "Sale of Important Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors' Motorcycles", but the auction featured a swag of new and old race bikes, too, some of which made good prices, and one of which had a New Zealand connection.

Referred to in the Bonhams catalogue as the 'Manx by McIntosh', the bike in question was created by NZ marque specialist Ken McIntosh in approximately 1991. Based around a C1961 Norton rolling chassis, the Manx featured a Summerfield 86mm-bore engine, tuned by none other than former world champ, Hugh Anderson. A Mick Hemmings-supplied Quaife five-speed gearbox completed the package. Ideally suited to classic and historic competition, the 'McIntosh Manx' sold for _24,725 (AU$39,640 approx.).

Other race bikes of interest from this auction included a 1992 Yamaha ROC 500cc Grand Prix machine and a 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750TT racer. Made famous by Cal Rayborn, this particular XR750TT was ex-USA and had race history, but no Rayborn connection. Purchased in the USA in 2010 and refurbished in the UK, including a fuel tank upgrade to use modern ethanol fuels, the XR750TT featured twin carbs, Ceriani front forks, four-speed 'box, and double-sided four-leading shoe front brake. This example sold for _23,000 (AU$36,900 approx).

A clearance rate of 87 percent and total sales of _2.2 million (AU$3.52m) saw Bonhams 2012 Stafford auction judged one of their best ever.

All prices include buyer's premium

Images courtesy of Bonhams UK.