Bonhams Sells Historic Vincent and Another Steve McQueen Indian

The functional sculpture seen here recently sold at a Bonhams auction held Sunday, 28 April, in at the International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground in the U.K. This 1952 Vincent Black Shadow is a historic machine in so many ways, it actually set eight new records while attempting to set a 24-hour endurance mark in France. The main goal was not achieved, unfortunately. The Black Shadow was already a legend before it ended its production run in 1955, and this specific model has an incredible provenance - about £113,500 (~US$176K) worth of historic appeal, to be precise. Steve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F also changed hands, this to the tune of £32,200 (~US$49,750). There is more, so check the links:

http://tinyurl.com/cy39jkv

http://tinyurl.com/buu2cvb

Even MORE News - Father and Son AHRMA Effort & Two Auctions!

Art Delor and his son, Alex, will be competing in the Daytona Bike Week AHRMA races in Florida this week (starting today, actually). Delor races a historic Indian and even takes it as far as wearing an authentic Indian racing uniform and keeping his 1939-40 Indian logbook. His 17-year-old son Alex is his pit crew, and he has over 9 years of experience with helping his father race. There is more after the links.

http://tinyurl.com/ycgtgh2

http://tinyurl.com/y9eea2b

With results from Monday: http://tinyurl.com/yd649ee

Bonhams managed to clean out the RAF Museum in Hendon, UK. However, they were selling motorcycles from history, not British aerial warfare artifacts. The Pampalona Collection was up for auction with over 100 machines, mostly pre-1950, and 88% of the items offered were sold. For some details about the event, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9gdoxu

The Daytona Antique and Classic Motorcycle Auction will be held on Saturday 6 March 2010 at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. There is not much detail beyond that after the link, but at least you can get the address.

http://tinyurl.com/yfzeub4

Early photos from the event: http://tinyurl.com/y8qj4zh

Even More Monday Afternoon Moto News! - Triumph Custom and Indian 741

This is a stunning Triumph custom. The bike started life as a 2002 Triumph Speed Triple, but it is now something just plain gorgeous! Just look at the stunning paint, the very cool gauge cluster, and the ultimately cool brake light treatment. Even the sub-frame was hand-built and the headlight was sourced from a tractor! You just have to take a look at the other photos after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb7lasw

Now, let's go back in time to the 1935 to 1945 era of motorcycle manufacture and look at the legendary Indian Model 741. The 741 was deigned by the Indian Motocycle Company (yes, there is no r in their name) for military duty during World War II. The very sad part is that Indian did not last much longer after the war was done. The linked article is very detailed and explains how the 741 was made from the company's Model 640. Really, take the link and read...

http://tinyurl.com/yeda3x5

Thursday Morning Classic Bike News

The first part of this post is another eBay find - a 1941 Indian Sport Scout. It looks to be un-restored and the owner claims only 19,000 miles. It is also said that the engine turns over and has good compression, but no other details are mentioned. At last look, the auction was at US$10,100 and the reserve price had not yet been met. Take a look at history and imagine being able to buy this one...

http://tinyurl.com/ybvu22d

Next, we have a story about a tour through Texas on British singles, believe it or not. Given the extensive road network and huge distances between places in the state, it is hard to imagine driving so far on such small motorcycles, but the author and some friends did just that. They spend a great deal of time enjoying the Texas Hill Country...and so should you!

http://tinyurl.com/y96w8u4

eBay Find: 1915 Indian Motocycle 3-Speed

This just came up in my eBay search and I thought it might interest some out there. It is a 1915 Indian 3-Speed; I am not up on my Indian Motocycle models, but this machine does now have a 1100c.c. V-twin and it is set up to tour on, believe it or not. The ad states that there are 99,979 miles on it, but I am not sure that is accurate. The price will be high as this is a running example, but it does have several 'incorrect' parts here and there. As of this post, the price was up to US$10,400 and the reserve had not yet been met. Have a look and bid if you have the $$$$.

http://tinyurl.com/ylzgesq

McQueen's 'Hollywood Bike' Rakes in US$99,450

It was Steve McQueen's 1940 Indian Motocycle Chief - white in color - which sold at the Bonham's Auction for a record price of US$99,450 - and, that was a record. Other items were also auctioned off including 33 motorcycles from the Forest “Woody” Shrider Collection, which sold 100% of item in that lot. Bonham's called it the "Classic California" auction and it was held last weekend, 14 November 2009. Take the link and see more of what was sold and how much money changed hands.

http://tinyurl.com/yenh8nm

New Zealand Rare Motorcycle Show and Auction

From now until Wednesday of next week, 45 rare and vintage motorcycles will be on display at Deus Ex Machina in Wellesley Street in Auckland. One of the oldest is a 1904 Brown! And, all are in working order and are in perfect condition. Webb's Auction House will be auctioning off all of the motorcycles on that coming Wednesday, so get there as soon as you can - and bring money!

http://tinyurl.com/y8pofjg

More Steve McQueen Memorabilia to be Sold at Auction

The most prominent piece - at least to us - is his 1940 Indian Chief , which was also known as his "Hollywood bike." Also on offer will be his 1949 Chevrolet 3100, which is still as he last drove it in 1980, and a special edition 2001 Mustang, which was constructed to honor the Mustang he used in "Bullit." Take a look, and if you are wealthy, make a bid!

http://tinyurl.com/yej8pwh

Photo of McQueen's Chief: http://tinyurl.com/y93n862

Indian Motorcycle to be Featured in ABC News

Given the terrible economy, it is hard to believe that there are actually success stories in the motorcycle industry. Indian Motorcycles is bucking the hard times and doing quite well compared to many companies. So, ABC News will be filming a special feature on the newly re-born (again, again, again) marque. Indian history will also be covered as will a ride down through North Carolina and through Deal's Gap.

http://tinyurl.com/yc3vpzq

Massachusetts Vintage Motorcycle Auction

Massachusetts auctioneers J. Wood & Company will be auctioning off the The Bettencourt Collection on Saturday 21 November 2009. Over 180 historic and vintage motorcycles will be up for sale - with NO reserve - to help Mr. Bettencourt raise funds to fight his leukemia - of course, as this is the USA, health care is only for the wealthy. Hondas, Norton, BSA, Bultaco, CZ, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Suzuki, Ossa, Yamaha, Jawa, Francis Barnett, Rickman, Vespa, Laverda, Yankee, NSU, MZ, Bridgestone, Montessa motorcycles will be sold at the event. I can honestly say that I wish I could make it!

http://tinyurl.com/yaotq4z

http://tinyurl.com/yjhrx84