ALL TIME RECORD FOR BONHAMS AT STAR STUDDED STAFFORD
Words: Leanne Mandall Photographs: Gary Chapman Star names, a bike ridden by one of the most famous riders in history and a record near-£4 million auction all contributed to a smash hit Stafford show this spring. The Bonhams auction was, as usual, a real attraction for the 39th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show, and with an impressive sale rate of 92% and a total of £3,892,397 achieved, it proved an all-time record. Highlights included a 1962 Triumph 649cc TR6SS which had been ridden by Bud Ekins, the US racer who performed the famous jump as stunt-double for Steve Mcqueen in The Great Escape. The lot achieved more than three times its top estimate with a world record auction price of £97,750. Another record-breaker was a 1925 Coventry Eagle 981cc Flying-8, a rare example of a vintage overhead valve V-twin, which set a record for the marque, achieving £218,500. After a three-way battle, it was bought by a lady in the room and will join a renowned collection. Another world record was set for a 1935 Vincent-hrd 498cc Series-a Comet which sold for £97,750 to a bidder in the room. This rare Series-a, one of only a few ‘intermediate sump’ types, was totally restored in 2015 by Glyn Johnson and has been on display ever since. James Stensel, head of Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles, said: “What an incredible weekend! We are thrilled with the results of this sale,sale not only breaking our own auction record but also achieving three world auction records for individual marques and models. “This sale, our largest with over 400 collectors’ motorcycles offered, proves that machines with fantastic history, originality and pedigree will achieve record prices.” Atractions outside the auction room included an impressive line-up of famous TT racers including Ian Hutchinson, Tom and Ben Birchall and Steve Plater talking about all things Isle of Man racing. Visitors were entertained with live chats from guests of honour of all eras of TT racing, including nine-time winner Charlie Williams, three-time winner Alex George and six-time winner Jim Redman plus the man who beat Agostini – John Cooper – and fans’ favourite Tommy Robb. On display behind them was an incredible collection of nine ex-tt machines, including the Birchalls’ sidecar outfit. In order to give back to the Isle of MANTT, organisers raised just over £518 for the TT Riders’ Association by selling commemorative posters to visitors for signing opportunities with the star guests. Mortons Media Group associate director and former TTRA president Malc Wheeler said: “I am over the moon. Every penny will go to help an injured TT rider or a former rider that needs assistance.” Organisers are already putting plans in place for the 2020 show. For details visit www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com or follow @classicbikeshows on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.