Stunning collection of historic bikes set for Stafford auction
● Unique 1964 Ducati four highlights classics being auctioned by Bonhams
An astonishing 200 classic racing motorcycles, highlighted by this unique, 1964 Ducati four-cylinder 125 which is worth in excess of £500,000, will be the stars of the Bonhams auction at the upcoming Stafford Classic Show.
The bikes all come from the celebrated Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy, whose founder, Giancarlo Morbidelli, passed away two weeks ago (the sale was planned before his death). Apart from creating a successful lightweight racing marque
(his 125 twins won three world championships in the mid-1970s), Morbidelli also, over 40 years, built up an unrivalled collection of Italian racing bikes, including Benellis and Ducatis, around which he founded his museum. The Ducati 125-4 was an almost mythical one-off created by the legendary Fabio Taglioni that was, for many years, considered lost. As a result, its sale price at the Bonhams auction, which takes place over the weekend of April 2526, is estimated to be a whopping £400-600,000.
Other spectacular bike from the collection which are being offered for sale include a 1950 Benelli 250 GP machine, estimated to be worth £120-180,000, a 1959 Benelli 250 ‘Bialbero’ formerly owned by John Surtees and estimated at £60100,000 and a 1959 Mondial Paton 250 estimated at £30-40,000. Ben Walker for Bonhams said: “We are very proud to have been entrusted with the sale of this stunning collection, carefully put together over 40 years by Giancarlo Morbidelli, which is a fitting tribute to this master of the motorcycling world.
“With the majority of this collection being offered at ‘No reserve’, this will be a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts from across the globe to bid for some truly special lots and indeed, a piece of history.
“We expect international interest from collectors and enthusiasts who will give the motorcycles a new lease of life in other collections and homes around the world.”
The Bonhams auction is one of biggest on the motorcycling calendar and is one of the main attractions at the season curtain-raising 40th Carole Nash International Motorcycle Show at Stafford County Showground from April 25-26.