: Bonhams & Butterfields sold rare and collectible motorcycles
and motorized bikes recently during its first-ever motorcycle
auction featuring Harley-Davidson, Indian, Moto Guzzi, BMW,
Triumph, Norton and models by other makers.
Nearly 150 celebrity-signed Harley gas tanks kick-started the
auction with autographs of AC/DC, Johnny Cash, Peter Fonda and
Meat Loaf of interest to collectors and enthusiasts.
Bidding was international, according to the auctioneer, with many
clients participating on the crowded auction room floor as well
as via telephone from the United Kingdom and Europe, from
throughout California, New York and the Southeastern United
States. The sale totaled nearly $700,000 and included multiple
strong prices realized for rare and immaculately restored vintage
bikes.
Bonhams & Butterfields motor car department director Mark
Osborne said, "We were delighted with the turnout, many clients
riding their bikes to the sale and rows of motorcycles taking
parking spots outside of the showroom. It was a thrilling sight
that attracted much attention from the Sunset Boulevard traffic.
This Harley gas tank was signed by Sting, Don Henley and Sir
Elton John and sold for $1,495.
"One bidding battle we all enjoyed was for a 1960 Matchless,
which had been meticulously restored by the motorcycle legend Bud
Ekins, who attended the sale and received a warm round of applause
from the crowd," said Osborne. Ekins was a Hollywood movie stunt
driver who rode for Steve McQueen in The Great Escape as
well as in memorable scenes from Bullitt. The 1960 Matchless
497cc G8CS sold above its $8/9,000 estimate to bring $14,088. The
motorcycle had been on display during the 1998 "Art of the
Motorcycle" exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum.
Three Harleys consigned by Los Angeles Lakers Karl Malone each
found new owners: his 1999 Road King bringing $16,100, "the
Mailman's" 2002 anodized silver VRSCA V-Rod selling for $15,813
and his 1996 FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Guide sold for $13,800.
Other top motorcycle and prices realized include: a 1948 Moto
Guzzi Gambalunga racing motorcycle formerly owned by racing
legend Enrico Lorenzetti, presented in concours condition, sold
to a private US collector for $50,600; a circa 1949 Moto Guzzi
Dondolino racing motorcycle presented in excellent condition,
$39,675; a 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead from the first year
of the model's production, sold to a private US collector for
$29,325; and a fire red 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead from the
Collection of James Pflueger, which also sold for $29,325.
The auction also included property from the Harley-Davidson Café,
a Manhattan hangout for celebrities, sports figures and VIPs
prior to closing its doors. Many rock, pop, rap and country and
western stars, comedians, actors and actresses and others signed
and inscribed colorful Harley gas tanks, which were then
exhibited throughout the restaurant. These gas tanks, now
considered celebrity memorabilia by collectors, were sold
Saturday; they stemmed from the Gotta Have It! Collection.
Meat Loaf-signed Harley gas tank, $690.
While many of the signed gas tanks were estimated at $100 to
$150, each saw competitive bids throughout the early session of the
sale. Several standout lots included $805 paid for a gas tank
signed by the epitome of motorcycle rider icons, Peter Fonda, who
starred in Easy Rider. A buyer paid $920 for a gas tank
signed by the late Johnny Cash, while $1,265 was paid for a
two-toned Harley-Davidson tank signed by Madonna and David
Letterman. A rock music fan paid $1,495 for a gas tank signed by
Sting, Elton John and Don Henley.
Popular with the Harley-loving crowd were gas tanks bearing the
autographs of Meat Loaf ($748) and Wolfman Jack ($633). The
Rolling Stones gas tank gave a bidder much satisfaction ($690),
and gas tanks signed (separately) by Winona Judd, Jacqueline
Bisset, Brooke Shields and Microsoft founder Bill Gates saw
frenzied bidding battles. A delighted client paid $748 for a gas
tank autographed by members of AC/DC while another bidder paid
$546 and took home a gas tank signed by hip-hop record producer
and performer Sean Combs, now known as "P. Diddy," who inked his
autograph in 1998 with his former stage name "Puff Daddy." A
working Harley-Davidson-themed pinball machine sold for twice its
estimate, bringing $2,875.
The high revving sale concluded after 7 pm with as much as 85
percent of the lots sold.
