Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne are gearing up for their largest classic and vintage motorcycle auction on Wednesday 6th May.
“With current COVID-19 restrictions and to keep our staff, clients and to protect the NHS we are still having a live auction, albeit behind closed doors.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Having conducted all auctions online as well as in our salerooms for the past 15 years we have everything in place and it seems a logical move to hold this specialist motorcycle auction just online. However, for those with no internet access or who have other commitments, we will also be able to carry out telephone and absentee commission bidding.”
The earliest motorcycle in the auction comes from a Cornish deceased estate. A 1911 Bradbury de-luxe motorcycle, complete with a wicker sidecar, has spent the past few years tucked away in its Cornish barn. Now needing some re-commissioning it is estimated at £5,000-7,000.
From the 1920’s there is a fine looking Indian. Dating to 1922 and with a 1928 Indian Scout engine, this motorcycle does not have a front brake, the rear brake operates from the right side and is valued at £20,000-22,000.
Norton is perhaps one of the most revered brands of British motorcycles. In the auction, there are six Norton’s, with one from 1930. This Norton Model 18, with its iconic silver and black petrol tank, is an older restoration to correct specification which still looks great today and is estimated at £18,000-20,000.
Much of the 1940’s motorcycle production was put over to the war effort, but Charterhouse have a 1948 Vincent Rapide. This bike was changed a couple of decades ago into an Egli-Vincent replica. Fritz Egli was a Swiss racer who also tuned motorcycles and made specialist frames. Today they are sought after and this is estimated at £35,000-40,000.
The 1950’s and 1960’s are synonymous with Mods and Rockers, so it is quite right that Charterhouse have a selection of their favourite machines. From 1959 there is a beautifully restored Triumph T120 Bonneville at £14,000-16,000 and from 1967 a Lambretta LX150 for £4,000-5,000.
The 1970’s saw the start of the rise of Japanese motorcycles. In this sale there is a 1974 Kawasaki Z1A, the likes of which took on Triumph and Norton head on, and is estimated at £12,000-14,000.
From the 1980’s there is a rare 1984 Suzuki RGB 500 Mk 9. The last in the range of RG500 race bike, the likes of which were raced by legendary Barry Sheene, this is only one of 25 made and estimated at £30,000-35,000.
From the last decade of the 20th century, there is a 1997 Honda Dream 50, producing 6hp at 10,500rpm. Made by Honda to commemorate the CR110 GP race bikes they were produced as collectors’ items. New and unused, this is valued at £5,000-6,000.
Into the 21st century, and the most recent motorcycle in the auction is a 2017 Triton 650. A Triton is a combination of a Triumph and a BSA. Having been ridden just once since completion this special is estimated at £15,000-17,000.
There are 80 motorcycles in this Charterhouse specialist auction, valued from £200 to £60,000. All the bikes, with multiple images and descriptions, can be viewed on www.charterhouse-bikes.com where you can also bid and follow the auction live.
Charterhouse are accepting late entries for the auction. Contact Richard Bromell at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email bikes@charterhouse-auction.com
Captions: Bikes through the decades at Charterhouse
1911 Bradbury de-luxe with wicker sidecar £5,000-7,000
1922 Indian £20,000-22,000
1930 Norton Model 18 £18,000-20,000
1948 Egli Vincent replica £35,000-40,000
1959 Triumph T120 Bonneville £14,000-16,000
1967 Lambretta LX150 £4,000-5,000
1974 Kawasaki Z1A £12,000-14,000
1984 Suzuki RGB 500 £30,000-35,000
1997 Honda Dream 50 £5,000-6,000
2017 Triton 650 £15,000-17,000