Iver Johnson tops MidAmerica Vegas auction
Of all the motorcycles and related memorabilia consigned, the top seller was a 1915 Iver Johnson twin, which sold for US$280,000 (US$299,600 incl. buyers premium). Advertised as being completely original and never started, the Iver Johnson spent many years as a display bike in a motorcycle museum in Iowa.
Like Indian, Iver Johnson has its roots in the US state of Massachusetts, but unlike Indian, the firm actually started producing firearms before diversifying into bicycles in the 1880s. From there, motorcycles followed in 1907. From the outset, a variety of single and twin cylinder designs were offered in varying capacities. What arguably set Iver Johnson apart from its American competitors of the period was the quality of its manufacture and advanced design features. These included an early form of swingarm rear suspension, combined leaf spring & leading link front suspension, and three-speed transmissions.
The MidAmerica Auctions catalogue listed the 1915 Iver Johnson as having a 500cc capacity, but JUST BIKES's research suggests that the v-twins were 1020cc (62 cubic inch) capacity and only the singles were the smaller size. Apparently, a flaw in the Iver Johnson v-twin design was the curved inlet manifold, which robbed the I-J of power compared to a similar capacity Harley or Indian. This, and their sturdy, heavy construction may explain why Iver Johnsons rarely, if ever, feature in early American motorcycle racing history.
Following the onset of World War I, Iver Johnson ceased motorcycle production in 1916, to concentrate on manufacturing weapons and munitions. With such a short production period, Iver Johnsons are very rare today, which explains the six-figure sum the auctioned example attracted.
Other good results included US$82,000 for a 1936 Harley-Davidson EL (knucklehead) with sidecar, and US$59,000 for an ex-Doug Chandler Honda RS750 flat track racer. Early Indians also sold well, with a fully restored, award-winning 1941 Four with sidecar selling for US$58,000. A 1939 Indian Four, also completely restored, sold for US$50,500. A mildly-modified 1952 Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for US$80,000, while another Vincent, a '48 Series B Rapide, went for US$56,000.
Big dollar lots that failed to sell included a 1938 Brough Superior SS100 (high bid of US$180,000), a 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 World Supersport race bike ridden by 2011 WSS champ Chaz Davies (high bid of US$120,000), 1910 Pierce four-cylinder (high bid of US$120,00) and a 1971 Husqvarna enduro bike formerly owned by Steve McQueen (high bid of US$137,000). Another ex-McQueen motorcycle in the form of a 1940 Indian Four, also failed to meet its reserve.
Rarities included a Harley-Davidson 'Topper' scooter, Swedish 'Lito' MX bike (which sold for US$44,000), a Rex Acme Speed King, 1921 German-built 'TWN' Triumph, Pannonia T5, 1906 Thor, BMW R12, and 1911 Flanders four-cylinder. However, the most unusual lot from the MidAmerica Auction was a 1935 Bohmerland 'Langtouren'. These Czech-built single cylinder tourers are identified by their large frames, designed to carry up to three people. Rarely seen these days, the restored Bohmerland was quickly snapped up for US$55,000.
MidAmerica Auctions jointly holds the record for the most example motorcycle ever sold at auction - a 1915 Cyclone board track racer which sold for US$520,000 in 2008. For full results and further details on the 2012 MidAmerica Auctions Las Vegas Auction, go to www.midamericaauctions.com
Prices exclude buyers commission unless indicated
Images courtesy of MidAmerica Auctions
Ed's Note: If you want to see an Iver Johnson closer to home, there's a 1914 example at the National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac, NSW. Like the MidAmerica Auctions top seller, the Iver Johnson at Nabiac is a chain drive v-twin rigid, painted battleship grey with black coachlines.
