New record set at Donington auction
The ‘Collector Motorcycle Auction’ conducted by Donington Auctions in September delivered strong results. Across the 443 lots on offer, that included more than 50 motorcycles, as well as parts, books, collectables and memorabilia, the timed online auction achieved an impressive 97 per cent clearance rate and almost $800,000 in total sales.
Motorcycle consignments included speedway machines from the collection of Tony Webb and a good proportion of British and Japanese classics, but Italian bikes were the stars of this auction, led by a rare 1973 MV Agusta 750 S.
One of the most sought-after MV Agustas of all time, the auctioned example had been sold new in Germany and was restored by specialists in the UK before coming to Australia 12 years ago.
Expected to be one of the top sellers ahead of the auction, the 750 S duly delivered, selling for $151,000, which Donington Auctions are claiming as a new record price for the model in an Australian auction.
An equally desirable Italian classic, in the form of a 1976 Ducati 900 SS, sold for $77,000 after a three-way bidding war, while a low-km 2005 MV Agusta F4 Ago (one of only 300 built) sold for $38,000.
Amongst the British bikes, a restored 1972 Triumph Hurricane X-75 sold for $40,000, with $16,000 achieved by a 1960 Triumph T120 Bonneville, while the 1927 AJS ‘Jowett Special’ works competition outfit (an Australian speed record holder in period) made $28,000.
An immaculate 1974 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV topped the Japanese classics, selling for $35,500, with an equally impressive 1971 Honda CB500 hammering for $13,000. Quirky lots included the 1950 ‘Wingard Jawa’ supercharged race bike that sold for $8,000 and a 1961 Vespa VBB 150 with sidecar that went for an impressive $27,250.
“People are looking for unique investment opportunities outside of more traditional avenues, like real estate or shares, and particularly investments they can enjoy,” said Cameron Sabine of Donington Auctions. “We see items of quality and rarity bucking the trends and still performing well in the current market.”
For full results and further details from this auction, go to: doningtonauctions.com.au
