Bonhams Stafford motorcycle sale achieves £3.2 million
Words and images courtesy Bonhams
Bonhams Cars’ market-leading Motorcycle Department returned to the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show with 395 lots of collectors’ motorcycles, memorabilia and spares for The Autumn Stafford Sale.
The two-day sale realised a total of £3,236,000 with an industry-leading 92% sell-through rate.
The sale attracted an international audience with 1,250 bidders from over 36 countries. Many were in attendance or bidding on the phone. Others participated online and via the Bonhams app. The sale further reinforced Bonhams Cars as the auction house of choice for the sale of important collector motorcycles. This includes single-owner collections.
The top lot of the sale was a 1936 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide.
It was the second example ever produced and oldest surviving complete example. This example was the actual machine that made the Rapide models debut at the 1936 Olympia Motorcycle Show. It was painstakingly restored. This significant piece of British motorcycling history sold for a new world record price for the model of £322,000.
It contributed to over £600,000 in sales of the Vincent marque. This further solidified Bonhams’ position as the market leader in the sale of Vincent motorcycles, spares, and memorabilia.
Another highlight of the sale was two limited-edition Triumph motorcycles. These were inspired by the models used in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. These were gifted by Daniel Craig to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The motorcycles raised a total of £60,000 for the organisation during its 200th anniversary year of lifesaving. The #003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition sold for £28,000, while the #001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition fetched £32,000.
James Stensel, UK Head of Bonhams Cars Motorcycle Department, remarked:
“We share a strong connection with Triumph, one of the country’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers, having sold many notable examples over the years. It has been a true honour for the Bonhams Motorcycle Team to collaborate with Triumph, Daniel Craig, and the RNLI, especially in the RNLI’s 200th year. We extend our gratitude to all those who bid enthusiastically and supported the RNLI and its volunteers, who work tirelessly to keep the waters around the UK and Ireland safe.”
Significant veteran motorcycles played a key role in the sale, with the 1913 Wilkinson 830cc TMC Four—one of the few remaining examples—selling for £104,650.
The 1913 Flying Merkel 995cc Twin Seventy-one 471, once owned by the late Bud Ekins, fetched £132,250.
Both of these motorcycles are eligible for the prestigious Pioneer Run.
This is the world’s largest gathering of pre-1915 motorcycles, proudly sponsored by Bonhams Motorcycles.
Ben Walker, Motorcycle Department Director, further commented:
“The market for collectors’ motorcycles once again proved to be resilient to the current economic and political uncertainties we face internationally. Talk of there being a downturn in the classic motorcycle market was quickly dispelled once the auction started. There was strong competition for the machines on offer throughout the sale. A combination of high-quality consignments, well-researched history, and a beautifully presented catalogue helped. Also, competitive estimates and being held in conjunction with a world-famous motorcycling event meant we secured the best possible prices for our clients.”
Bonhams now look ahead to their January Online Sale (17-27 January) from Bonhams Motorcycles’ base in Milton Keynes.
The Spring Stafford Sale (26-27 April 2025), held alongside the International Classic Motorcycle Show.
