Bonhams' Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford was a success, to say the least. The auction brought in over $2.5 million and included one of the most expensive motorcycles ever sold at auction. A 1929 Brough Superior SS100 known as "Moby Dick" sold for $330,000.
Moby Dick, which was hailed as the "fastest privately owned motorcycle" when it was built in 1929, was capable of a ridiculous 109 mph.
Three other Brough Superiors were sold at the auction. The 1924 980cc SS80 gave bidders the opportunity to purchase one of the earliest surviving Brough Superiors. The 1924 bike brought in $159,000.
Here are some of the other big tag motorcycles that were sold at Bonhams.
- 1930 Black Alpine 680 ($65,000)
- 1933 '11-50' ($55,000).
- 1906 Minerva 4½hp V-Twin ($40,000)
- 1911 Douglas 2¾hp Model D ($30,000)
- 1953 Matchless 498cc G45 ($58,000)
- 979 Ducati 864cc Mike Hailwood Replica ($20,000)
Ben Walker, Head of Motorcycles at Bonhams, said: "Restoration projects were in strong demand with some outstanding results achieved in this category. But any machine with good history and a high level of originality (regardless of condition) was keenly contested by discerning collectors and enthusiasts."
