If you have ever wanted to get to a motorcycle auction to see some of the incredible machines on offer, you would do well to attend the 2010 edition of the Bonhams & Butterfields Classic California auction to be held on 13 November at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.
The main focus of this event will be the sale of the legendary Bud Ekins collection. Just in case his name is unfamiliar – which it shouldn’t be – Ekins was a rather famous racer, stuntman to the stars and Triumph dealer who counted both Von Dutch, who worked for him, and Steve McQueen, whom Ekins did stunt work for, among his closest friends. This sale will feature autos, motorcycles, personal photos never released to the public, trophies, racing apparel, tools, posters, and some decidedly personal articles given to Ekins by Mr. McQueen. Many of the cars in the catalog were pinstriped by Von Dutch, and some of the motorcycle sidecar items were used in such films as The Wild One, The Great Escape and Pearl Harbor.
Another highlight of this auction will be the special edition Yamaha YZF-R1 which was painted by Aldo Drudi with a design from Valentino Rossi’s “Five Continents” AGV helmet and is autographed by Rossi. The R1 has been highly modified and is considered a replica of his YZR-M1 which he raced under the Fiat Yamaha team flag. Daytona 200 winner, former racer, and AMA Hall of Fame member Don Emde spearheaded the project for Riders for Health, who will also benefit from the expected sale price of between US$50,000 and 70,000. This custom one-off motorcycle is ready for the track – if the winner dare take it there.
For more information on the event, please point your browser here: http://www.bonhams.com/USA/sale/18419/1/
