ADVENTURES IN LUXURY
Top Ten Most Expensive Vintage Motorbikes Sold At Auction 10. The 1942 Crocker V-Twin Big Tank – $385,000 Sold at the EJ Cole Collection sale in March of 2015. Californian based company; Crocker, produced only 72 V-twin motorcycles and this was one of them. It is also the highest price that a Crocker motorcycle has ever gone for.
Chicago, United States Sebastian Hagan
Chicago, United States Sebastian Hagan
9. The 1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer – $423,000 It was thought that the Flying Merkel motorbike was no more, until one surfaced at auction a few years ago. Production numbers were low, but fortunately one managed to survive the test of time. The bike was auctioned at the Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas in 2015. 8. The 1951 Vincent White Shadow – $434,000 The Black Shadow is known to be rare but the White Shadow is rarer still, only 15 were ever made between 1949 and 1952. Sold in 2016 at the Bonhams Las Vegas Auction. The main difference from the White and Black is the bare metal engine cases on the White, compared with the blacked out versions on the Black.
Copenhagen, Denmark Mogens Flege Brandt
7. The 1958 Ariel Cyclone 650 – $450,000 The 1958 Ariel Cyclone 650 was once owned by Buddy Holly and later country music legend Waylon Jennings, thereby increasing its value. The bike sold in 2014 at the Guernsey Auctions in Phoenix, Arizona. 6. The 1926 Brough Superior SS100 ‘Alpine Grand Sports’ – $452,234 This Brough stands out for the exceptional condition it was in, when it sold in London in 2012. 5. The 1922 Brough Superior SS80 – $463,847 Nicknamed ‘Old Bill’, it was ridden by George Brough himself, together they managed to win over 50 races. Journalist, war despatch rider, veteran dirt bike and road rider, as well as President of the Vintage Motorcycles Club, ‘Titch’ Allen bought the bike before it going to auction in Duxford, England for the huge sum of $463,234 in 2012.
Sydney, Australia My Media Sydney
4. The 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor – $480,000 Although assembled in the 1980’s, it uses an original 1939 BMW RS255 engine and a 1951 Rennsport plunger style frame. The brainchild of former BMW Works rider Walter Zeller, it sold in 2013. 3. The 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank – $715,000 Unlike many vintage motorcycles seen at auction, this 440cc motorbike has not been restored, all the parts are original and in fantastic condition for its age. Selling at the Mecum Auctions in March of 2015, it is the most expensive Harley Davidson ever sold. 2. The 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer – $852,500 One of only twelve models thought to exist, capable of an incredible speed of 111 mph, it was also owned by Steve McQueen. Sold in 2018 at the Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas. 1. The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning – $929,000 It’s said that this model was actually imported to Australia by Tony McAlpine and performed well against the competitors, reaching speeds of up to and over 130 mph. It’s reported that the bike will be returning to Australia permanently. Sold completely unrestored but in working condition this outstanding bike sold in 2018 at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to a telephone bidder from Australia.
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Fifth Chukker Magazine | Issue 14