World-class Bikes set for Shannons Sydney sale
• World-class 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
• Two superb Post-War British racing bikes
• Seven rare ‘no reserve’Italian motorcycles
A world-class selection of British, American and small capacity Italian motorcycles will be going under the hammer at Shannons Late spring Auction in Sydney on November 17 – seven offered with ‘no reserve’.
The star of the two wheelers is a stunning and highly collectible circa 1937 Harley Davidson EL Knucklehead V-Twin that has been the subject of a show-winning, ground-up restoration.
Presented in ‘turn key and ride’ condition, the Harley is expected to attract International interest and lively bidding from astute collectors via Shannons Online Bidding, as values of these early Knuckleheads continue to rise worldwide.
The last Knucklehead sold by Shannons was a 1947 model that brought $64,000 and the privately-owned 1937 example being auctioned is considered by Shannons Sydney motorcycle specialist Stuart Roberts to be even more desirable, with a guiding range of $72,000-$80,000.
At the other end of the Harley-Davidson spectrum is a circa-1965 Bobcat 175cc single cylinder – believed to possibly the only example in Australia and showing just 2,020 miles on its odometer, as it has spent most of its life as a display piece. Offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range.
Also from the USA is a circa-1922 Indian Scout 600cc solo ($24,000-$28,000), delivered and sold new in Mudgee NSW, with one family ownership.
Shannons are also rolling out the final models from a Sydney collection of top-end British bikes at the auction.
The ‘Crown Jewels’ of the British collection have been saved for last: a brace of circa-1949 racing motorcycles, both coming out of long-term ownership and expected to attract International interest.
The restored, AJS 7R 350cc single cylinder racing model ($46,000-$54,000) is a rare example that had just emerged from a total restoration when the vendor purchased it in the early 1990s, however its single-cylinder engine has not been started since and will need normal recommissioning if it is intended to be ridden.
The similarly rare Velocette KTT MK VIII ($48,000-$52,000) is similarly very rare and highly collectible and has been lovingly and carefully displayed in a humidity-controlled environment since its Concours-standard restoration during its current 20-year ownership.
Other ‘great Britons’ in the auction include an immaculately-presented circa-1956 Ariel Square Four MKII 1,000cc that has not been used since its no-expense-spared restoration ($24,000-$28,000) and a circa-1959 ‘one-off’ Matchless ‘Café Racer’ fitted with a rare Typhoon 600cc engine (16,000-$20,000).
A highlight of the auction for lovers and collectors of Italian motorcycles are seven further examples from a Sydney collection that Shannons have been putting to auction since the beginning of this year. All are offered with ‘no reserve’.
Standout examples include a very desirable circa-1976 MV Agusta 350cc S Ipotesi that has been maintained to original condition with factory upgrades. Treated to a quality repaint and new decals in 2011, it is expected to sell in the $10,000-$14,000 range.
Also expected to be keenly sought-after is a circa-1954 Gilera Saturno Sport 500cc in good, running condition ($14,000-$17,000), a circa 1965 Moto Morini 250cc that has been the subject of an older restoration, but still presents well ($5,000-$8,000), while a stylish and well-presented circa 1956 Moto Guzzi Zigolo 98cc is expected to bring $5,000-$8,000, as is a restored, circa-1951 Lambretta Model C 125cc Motorscooter.
Finally, for those on a tight budget wanting a classic two-wheeler, there is a 1950s Cyclops Scooter in original, well-enjoyed condition. Also offered with no reserve, it is expected to be snapped up for around $200-$300.
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