Veteran and Vintage motorcycles going to auction with Shannons
Shannons Timed Spring Online Auction, scheduled for 11 – 18 November, will feature six bikes from noted Victorian collector and enthusiast Warren Hicks. All six bikes are offered with No Reserve.
One for serious collectors is a circa-1914 American Excelsior V-Twin ‘two speed’, whose ‘X’ designation distinguishes it from an English Excelsior.
Complete, but not run since 1978, the Excelsior features a 1,000cc V-Twin engine, cast iron footboards and a foot brake pedal. Notable as one of the first motorcycles offered with a two-speed gearbox (with the left handlebar grip operating the clutch), the Excelsior is expected to sell in the $40,000-$60,000 range.
A circa-1910 FN ‘Four’ is also expected to be in demand with collectors of veteran motorcycles. This early - and very rare - four cylinder, single-speed, shaft-drive Belgian veteran has a long Australian history, having been with its current owner since 1970 after beginning its local life in Broken Hill.
Presented in very complete and original but unrestored ‘project’ condition, the FN comes to auction with a package of parts, including spare engines. Expected to command worldwide interest, Shannons have attached a guiding range of $40,000-$50,000.
For similar investment value, an exceptionally rare C1922 Stanger V-Twin has also been consigned. Made in the UK for a brief period only (1919-1923), the Stanger ran a 538cc two-stroke engine that allegedly overcame the reliability problems that defined two-stroke v-twins of the era, but overheating remained an issue.
By 1921, improvements to the Stanger included a three-speed transmission, chain-cum-belt drive, Brampton forks and a choice of rigid or sprung frames, but no front brake was a constant of Stanger production.
From a production total of just 20, the Stanger being auctioned from Hicks’s collection is said to be one of just two known survivors worldwide, with the other in a British museum.
Purchased in Adelaide in 1957 and last ridden in 1975, the Stranger is offered in complete condition and, like the rest of the Hicks collection, is being offered with No Reserve.
Moving into post-World War I vintage motorcycles, a circa-1922 KG Cito Special and a circa-1925 Villiers-engined Diamond single have also been listed.
The 500cc OHV KG Cito is one of just three believed to exist today, as the company was taken over by Allbright in 1923. Equipped with shaft-drive and a Bosch generator for its electric lighting, this very rare German-made motorcycle is expected to sell in the $40,000-$50,000 range.
The Diamond 147cc was the last of the chain-cum-belt motorcycles from a British company that was in the business of making motorcycles from 1908 to 1933. Being an ultra-lightweight, basic commuter of its day, the C1925 Diamond no front brake, clutch or kickstart. Offered in nice, complete condition, it is expected to bring $5,000-$8,000.
Top seller from the Hicks Collection will likely be a C1907 Zenith Bi-Car, defined by its unusual frame design and hub-centre steering. Reportedly the only one of its type remaining worldwide, the rarity of the Bi-Car should see it attract international interest.
For more details on Shannons Timed Spring Online Auction on 11 – 18 November, including information on how to register for bidding online, go to: shannons.com.au
