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

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

Tuesday Morning News from the Moto World - Part 1

There are several interesting stories running around the web today...

First, we have a rare sportbike - or, at least a well-done replica or two of some rare machines. There is a MV 500/4 and a Vincent Egli - both built by the owner down in Australia. Take a look - you may not be able to afford them, but they are sure nice to look over in detail...

http://tinyurl.com/y9fz94z

And, now we get something from Claudio Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta, on raising the speed limits in Italy. I can see why he would want this, but I doubt the Italian government will see it as a safe move. After all, MV Agusta motorcycles are meant to be ridden fast...

http://tinyurl.com/ygr372z

Now, another race in the NZ Tri-Series has been run and the final winners lauded and awarded. In the F1 Superbike class, Andrew Stroud took the title. The two Italians - Gozzini and Lazzarini - both fought hard for the title with Gozzini coming out on top. For the rest of the results, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yl3fwzg

Australian Historic Series Champion Is Rookie Road Racer

Beau Beaton was not even road racing just 12 short months ago and now he is champion of the Australian Historic Series...amazing. He was asked to come and ride an Irving Vincent for Horner Brothers - an amazing read. Take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yavu9wh

Australian Ivan Casson Has an Impressive Collection of Historic Motorcycles

Casson lives in Australia and has a very nice, reinforced and secure garage in the back of his house there. Inside the garage is an enviable collection of some very fine motorcycles. A jaw-droppingly well-maintained 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk, and bikes from BSA, Brough Superior, Vincent, Ariel, Sunbeam and four Triumphs, a Speed Twin, Tiger, 3T and Thunderbird - all are in his garage, but that is not all. From the modern age, a mint-condition 1982 Honda CB1100R, a Benelli Sei six-cylinder and a BMW R100RT. Check out the story after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9ukmoz

“Spirit of the Motorcycle” Exhibition in Mildura, Australia

The city is not that far from Adelaide and the display will be incredible. Historic motorcycles from Ducati, Vincent, Triumph, BSA, Velocette and several others along with many rare competition models will be on display; over 100 motorcycle will be shown. It will be held at the Wooden Eye Estate Winery on 5 December 2009 starting at 12 Noon. If you can, you should go! All proceeds go to local charities.

http://tinyurl.com/ybntclr

Prescot Museum in Merseyside is Running British Motorcycle Exhibition

Over in the U.K., just outside of Liverpool, the Prescot has opened ‘Megaphones and Magnetos: A history of the British Motorcycle Industry’ and it will run through 4 January 2010. Admission is free, so ride on over if you are close enough - or, don't and miss this excellent display of classic and historic British motorcycles.

http://tinyurl.com/yfkbaay

Bonham's Auctions Collectible Motorcycle Auction at Staffordshire County Showground

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show had the Bonham's Collectible Motorcycle Auction event and the buyers showed up with chequebooks in tow. An example is the 1948 Vincent-HRD Series-B Rapide (at right) which sold for an amazing £57,600 (US$93,956)! The economy is not hurting some people, obviously. A full 74% of the 470 machines on offer were sold, and they pulled in a total of £981,638 (US$1,601,160) at the weekend. Just being there would have been an experience...

http://tinyurl.com/ylgw2lr

Bonham's Auctions to Host Collectible Motorcycle Auction at Staffordshire County Showground

Over 190 classic and historical motorcycles will be there along with memorabilia from the moto-stars of the past. Some very well-known and many unknown bikes will be present for sale - including a 1974 Kawasaki Z1A and a Vincent-HRD and the 1949-50 Velocette 348cc KTT pictured here. Around 1500 enthusiasts are expected to attend, but you could make that at least one more. If I lived in the UK, I can assure you that I would attend. The auction will be held on Sunday, 18 October 2009 at the Staffordshire County Showground.

http://tinyurl.com/yl5kqwv

Classic Bike Show at NEC in Birmingham (UK) to be Bigger than Ever

The Classic Motor Show to be held in Birmingham at the NEC will go off 13 - 15 November 2009. Don't miss it! They have added even more space and clubs to the event; this year the BSA Bantam Club will show 2008’s Best Bike In Show and a BSA/Triumph hybrid...Other clubs attending the show will be the Vincent HRD Owners’ Club, the Kettle Club, and the MPC Ural/Dnepr riders club. The main event, though, will be the Ace Café Racer Concours, which will be front and center at the exhibition hall. Really, this is worth a trip from anywhere...

http://tinyurl.com/yfk2s7v

Bonham's Bike Auction at Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in UK

Bonham's has found a rather broad range of historic motorcycles for this year's second annual auction to be held at the 16th annual Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. The linked article is quite incomplete, but it does give some details about the motorcycles which will come to auction. If you are wondering when the show will happen - the article sure misses this 'when' item - it will go off on 17 - 18 October 2009 at the Stafford County Show Ground in Staffordshire.

http://tinyurl.com/lbqumy

More information and some pretty pictures! http://tinyurl.com/kqgrmx

Vincent Lovers Unite!

Up in British Columbia, a group of Vincent devotees meet up and discuss their passion. A regular rally of said aficionados take place up there every year. If you do not know much about Vincent, you do owe yourself the education; they are among the most technologically advanced (for their time) and beautiful motorcycles ever made - and they are fast!

http://tinyurl.com/lvddmn