Extremely rare Vincent Black Lightning leads the spring Stafford sale
As ever, there’s a veritable feast of rare and iconic motorcycles up for grabs in the bi-annual two-day Bonhams Stafford sale. Leading the charge is the 14th Vincent Black Lightning built – and one of only 34 machines ever produced. Only very rarely is an example offered for sale, which makes the sale of this 'Polish Lightning', estimated at £120,000-£150,000, an exceptional opportunity for collectors. Bonhams will also present one of only three 1959 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycles. Estimated at £60,000-£80,000, it is believed to be the most complete and original of the three known – and the only one in full running order. Sticking with the race theme, the ex-works, Gary Nixon, Greg Hansford, Hurley Wilvert, 3rd Place in Daytona, 1972 Kawasaki H2R Racing Motorcycle is sure to set pulses racing. Rarely does a machine of this calibre come to market – but what makes this bike exceptional is the paper trail that accompanies it. The fastidious owner has carefully researched the history, whilst also carefully preserving the patina of the motorcycle. Estimate £120,000-£160,000. Leading the way with the road-going machines are two early Brough Superiors. The first is Brough Superior works manager Ike Webb’s circa 1922 Brough Superior 996cc SS80 Special. The estimate is £70,000£100,000 for this piece of Hayden Road history. The second example is an all-matching number, Tony Cripp’s restored and well-documented 1924 Brough Superior 980cc SS80. Until recently it was on display at Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum and is estimated at £80,000-£120,000. Bonhams are also proud to present the collection of the late Clive Wood MBE, a prominent figure in Teesside industry, who began his career at Marske Machine Company as an apprentice fitter-turner. Known for his energetic work and excellent, down-to-earth client care, Clive founded the East Cleveland Youth Training collective, empowering young people in engineering – and additionally served as county vice president for St John Ambulance, supported local sports, and was awarded an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours. His impressive collection of over 40 motorcycles boasts no less than 20 diverse British motorcycle brands, all to be sold without reserve. Highlights include: ■ 1931 Matchless 593cc Silver Hawk Project, estimate £17,000 -22,000 ■ 1930 Matchless 400cc Silver Arrow, estimate £8000-10,000 ■ 1934 BSA 4.98 hp J34-15 OHV Twin W.D., estimate £800012,000 ■ 1941 Indian 500cc 741 Scout, estimate £7000-10,000 Other sale highlights include: ■ Guinness World Record Holder, 2003 Whitelock 4.2 Litre 48-Cylinder Tinker Toy, estimated at £40,000-60,000 ■ 1975 Suzuki TR750 Racing Motorcycle, estimated at £18,000-22,000 ■ 1952 MV Agusta 123.5cc Monoalbero, estimated at £15,000-18,000 ■ 1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow, estimate £45,00055,000 ■ Two owners since 1933 and highly original, 1932 Ariel 601cc Model 4F Square Four, estimate £12,000-15,000 With over 200 exceptional motorcycles consigned to The Spring Stafford Sale, this year’s event promises to be yet another memorable auction. For details of how to bid in the auction visit us at the show or contact the department.