Besides the super-rare Hildebrand and Wolfmüller coming up for sale at Bonhams' big Las Vegas auction on January 6, 2011, scouts have unearthed an original-paint, very rare 1952 'Touring' Vincent Rapide. Discovered in a garage in Fresno, CA, the Vincent has only 8500 miles on the clock, and is virtually untouched. The 'Chinese Red' paint scheme is very popular with collectors, as the Touring version of the Rapide model has 19" wheels and painted, fully valanced mudguards...more room for paint as opposed to the normal Vincent chrome steel blades. Apparently this machine sat for nearly 50 years, untouched, and will need 'light recommissioning' to make roadworthy...ie, to find out what stopped it back then!
The bike is estimated to sell for $85-100,000, which means the reserve is probably $85k. Not cheap, but then, not many Vincents are left in original paint, with less than 10k miles!
Twelve years have elapsed since motorcycles filled the spiral of the Guggenheim museum in New York (1998), and two-wheelers have yet to see full acceptance within the Fine Arts/Fine Design establishment. While the 'Art of the Motorcycle' show remains that museum's second-highest-attended exhibit, it was considered something of a populist sell-out at the time, especially as it pioneered an 'interested sponsor' relationship with BMW (although little discussion was published about 'named' sponsorship in general). Few critics defended the Guggenheim's Thomas Krens for hosting a major motorcycle exhibit on hallowed Art turf, unless of course they happened to be motorcyclists themselves. Even then, the level of discourse around Motorcycles and Culture generally bordered on flippant, unless the mood was outrage. The 'Art of the Motorcycle', imperfect as it may have been, was a vital first effort at establishing motorcycles as important within a broader dialogue on Design and Culture.
The upcoming sale of the prototype 1925 Brough Superior SS100 'Alpine Grand Sports' at Phillips de Pury, is the first instance post-AotM of a motorcycle's inclusion in a major Art or Design auction. As such, it represents a shift in attitude within the Fine Arts auction establishment, which has been brewing for 12 years. The closest we've come thus far was in June of 2009, when an ex-Steve McQueen 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel, painted by 'Von Dutch', was auctioned at Antiquorum in New York, within a sale of celebrity-owned watches and memorabilia. The Scott fetched $276,000, double its estimate and SIX times what it had sold for less than two years prior, in 2007 at the Bonhams Petersen Museum sale that October ($44,460). Interestingly, the Petersen sale included considerable McQueen and Von Dutch memorabilia as well, but failed to attract the results of the Antiquorum sale. Begging the question...was the Antiquorum clientele so significantly different than Bonhams', or had the market for magical Steve McQueen talismans suddenly gone mad? Considering that June 2009 was a troubling time in the global economy, and a moment generally of weakening collectible sales, I have to conclude that Antiquorum has an audience with far deeper pockets. A specialist in fine watches, they hold the record for a wristwatch sale at auction; a unique white gold Patek Philippe which sold for just over $5M (They are also notorious for selling Gandhi's pocket watch, sandals, glasses, and bowl for over $2M). If a wristwatch can sell for so much, can such an esteemed motorcycle be far behind?
When asked why he chose to include his SS100 in the Phillips de Pury auction, the current owner stated, 'I've been wanting to do this for years; Broughs have far transcended their original purpose as a motorcycle, and should be included in a major Design sale. I've known Marcus Tremonto for years, he is the absolute expert on 20th Century Decorative Art and Design... I wish I knew as much as he's forgotten! Phillips has an fabulous new facility on 57th and 5th in Manhattan, and their last big Art sale totalled $137M, so this auction should be quite something. If nothing else, it will give everyone something to think about. Friends say 'if it fails to sell, the bike will be tarnished', but that's rubbish...if the Brough falls on its face, it will stay at my house. Eventually it will ring the bell.'
Phillips de Pury is bolstering inclusion of the Brough in their 'Design Masters' sale with fully 10 pages of lavish photographs, more than double the visibility granted other Design greats in the catalog: Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé, Robert Mallet-Stevens, etc. The Alpine Grand Sports is the highlighted feature of the sale, and nearly double the nearest sale estimate, $350,000 for a Marc Newson futuristic aluminum 'Orgone stretch lounge' of 1993. Clearly, Phillips is banking heavily that the time is ripe to place George Brough within the pantheon of all-time great Designers.
A serious re-appraisal of Motorcycles within our capitalist society will of course include a fight for ownership of the agreed 'finest' examples. These are the rarest of the rare, and the pattern has already been established within the motorcycling community itself. Just as with paintings or other Design items, the notion of an object's 'value' is intimately connected with its sale price, and as the eyes of well-heeled Art collectors turn towards two wheels, there will be a serious rise in prices for significant racing machines and legendary road bikes. It is inevitable.
Dedicated motorcyclists who covet rare machines will decry the continuing trend of top-tier machines floating away from the reach of their checkbooks. Yet, even with waves of speculation during the past two 'bubbles' of the 1980s and 2000s, the price of excellent but relatively high-production bikes has remained under $30,000; affordable, if not cheap... the price of a new all-options Harley Davidson. The cost of a restored 1969 Triumph Bonneville will continue to reflect more on the labor and quality of the restoration, than on wild excesses of a speculator's market...at least while the economy is depressed. As time passes, the relative glut of old motorcycles, versus the number of willing owners, will also conspire to keep prices of 'common' bikes moderate. Thus, we may dream of owning a Brough Superior, Crocker, or racing BMW, but will have to content ourselves with a Matchless Model X, Indian Chief, or BMW R69S. Fair? Well, I'd dearly love a Rembrandt too...
Photos: Top; Francis Dixon and George Brough prepare for the Alpine Trial of 1925. Second; Brough, Dixon, and Eddie Meier, Austrian Brough Superior importer, Alpine Trial, 1925. Third; former owner of 'HP2122' AGS prototype, Prince Chagla of India. Fourth; from the Philips de Pury catalog. Fifth; George Brough at speed during the 1925 Alpine Trial. Last; from the Philips de Pury catalog.
The very first Brough Superior SS100 modified for Alpine speed trials in Austria is coming under the hammer at Phillips auction house in New York, at their 'Design Masters' sale on Dec. 15, 2010. This machine was modified by Brough Superior chief engineer Harold 'Oily' Karslake in 1925, for George Brough himself to compete in that year's Austrian Trial (see below). The bike was not greatly modified from standard, essentially being fitted with a lower compression ratio and more comfortable riding position, and was in full touring spec with pannier boxes and Bonniksen speedo. That George Brough won the speed award in the event is the stuff of legend, and led to replicas of his machines being called the 'Alpine Grand Sports' model.
This is a well-documented motorcycle with an incredible provenance, having also won a Gold Medal in 1925's London to Exeter Trial...besides being George Brough's personal machine for the year. The reserve for the sale looks to be at the $600,000 mark: if the machine meets reserve, it will be catapulted to the top of the heap for motorcycle sales at auction, and likely start a new wave of top-end motorcycle sales...at Art Auctions! The venue in this case is well chosen; by placing the Brough in context of a 'Design' sale at a major non-motoring auction house, the seller is clearly appealing to a different audience; one with no grease under its fingernails, but who appreciate aesthetic excellence.
(above, FP Dixon, with George Brough) Auction results for SS100s and other Broughs have bucked any trends towards softening prices, and have remained strong through the recent economic crisis. It has been said many times that art and collectibles are currently considered a safer investment than the stock market, although prices in the fine arts world have softened for all but the most coveted 'blue chip' artists...in concert with motorcycle sales. If this Phillips auction is successful, it will certainly bring more of the creme de la creme of motorcycling to 'art' auctions, in hopes to attract a better-heeled audience. The same logic is applied to the inclusion of motorcycles to high-end automotive auctions ('they have more money'), although results on that front have been mixed, and no higher than a standard 'motorcycle auction'. In any case, this will be interesting...and I'll try to be there!
Formidable new “arsenal of three” to augment Bonhams’ American market.
For immediate release. 20 April 2010 – San Francisco – Bonhams is extremely proud to announce the assembly of a new team of experts for their North American motorcycle sector. Augmenting the Motoring Department’s existing line-up of respected specialists are three incredibly talented and experienced motorcyclists. They are:
David Edwards is the well-known and widely esteemed former Editor-in-Chief ofCycle World – the largest motorcycle magazine in the world. His hands-on knowledge of motorcycles of all makes and models, his insight into the industry, and his adventures on two wheels are world renowned. Furthermore, his personal collection of bikes is as diverse and exciting as his career, with examples having been selected for the seminal Guggenheim Museum exhibit, The Art of the Motorcycle.
Paul d’Orleans, a native of San Francisco, is a true steward of motorcycle history. As a rider, collector and recognized expert, he is a passionate advocate for old motorcycles and regularly writes, consults or commentates for numerous websites, magazines, auctioneers and club journals worldwide. He is perhaps best known as the author of one of the most widely respected moto blogs on the internet, The Vintagent, and is currently launching another site, Caferacers. He has been a six-term president of the Velocette Owner’s Club of North America, a three-time judge at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours, founded the Yerba Buena Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, and is host of the soon to be released cable series Classic Motorcycle Roadshow.
Jamie Karrick has been servicing, repairing and restoring British and Italian motorcycles for well over 10 years as a senior technician and manager at a prominent dealership in California. Experienced with both modern and vintage machinery, he has been a two-time judge at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours and spends much of his free time working on restoration projects, one of which was included in the ground-breaking Guggenheim Museum exhibit, The Art of the Motorcycle. As an avid rider he enjoys extensively exploring the trails of California and Mexico as well as pushing his limits on the racetrack.
Under the direction of Mark Osborne, head of the Bonhams Motoring Department, which oversees all motor vehicles, and Nick Smith, head of the division’s Motorcycle Department, the new team members will begin work immediately.
Says Osborne, “As one of the world’s foremost motor vehicle auctioneers, Bonhams has a long and successful track record with rare and important motorcycles. And bringing these men onto our team will significantly add to this collective expertise, allowing us to maintain our leading edge, grow from strength to strength, and offer our clients – both buyers and sellers – the very best service anywhere.”
Bonhams’ next auction of motorcycles is scheduled for Saturday, May 8th at the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California, to be held in conjunction with The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Owners interested in consigning motorcycles to this sale should e-mail usacars@bonhams.com. Buyers interested in registering to bid may go to http://www.bonhams.com/quailbikes
For general information about the 217-year old firm of Bonhams and its 50 specialist departments worldwide, visit http://www.bonhams.com.
For press inquiries specific to this announcement, please contactpress@dravcarn.com.
Bonhams has scored another coup in selling a large private motorcycle collection, a feat they've repeated 3 times in the past 12 months - someone is on the ball! The 'Pamplona' Collection comes up under the hammer on Feb. 27, 2010, and is a Spanish assemblage of over 100 machines, carefully selected by someone with good taste, although the collection contains enough idiosyncracies to pique the interest of even the jaded auction-hound.
My favorite machine on offer is this 1937 Böhmerland 'Langtouren' (top pic), a marque very rarely available, as only 30 are thought to exist. Designer Albin Liebisch built what he felt was the ideal touring machine, capable of carrying three passengers, the legally sanctioned limit in far-seeing Czechoslovakia. The ohv engine has has a 603cc capacity from 80x120mm bore/stroke. And what quirky machine would be complete without a 'World's First' in the description - in this case, it's the cast aluminum wheels, used nearly four decades before Campagnolo began building their own magnesium (and crack-prone) mags for Italian race hardware. The great weight of the Böhmerland's wheels may have discouraged experimentation! Nonetheless, it would take a mighty blow to deflect his innovation, whereas broken spokes were fairly commonplace on the crappy country roads of rural Europe. Liebisch also designed two-person machines with a shorter wheelbase, and even a Sports model for competitions, although I've never seen one of these in the metal, or even a photo - do any exist?
And, I promise to publish a Road Test here in The Vintagent - stay tuned.
Fabulous machine #2 is this 1933 Soyer SA5C racer, in 'as last raced' condition, with a fantastic homemade exhaust system worthy of a cameo in 'No Limit'. Soyer was founded in 1919 in Colombes, France, and used various proprietary engines, although they contracted with Swiss engineer Walter Freudenfelder to build a 'face-cam' ohc in 1929, which did well in competitions. Perhaps to avoid development costs needed to modernize their cammy racer, in 1932 Soyer used Sturmey-Archer (read: Raleigh) engines of a robust but conventional ohv construction. The marketing division as S-A must have worked overtime, for quite a few companies used this engine in their competition machinery, at the TT and on the Continent, which found but modest success. The great era of the bought-in racing engine seeing success on the racetrack were at an end: the purpose-built ohc single-cylinder racer was on the ascendant, soon to be supplanted itself by the multi-cylinder Works racer, with supercharger. This Soyer is certainly an incredibly rare opportunity to own an untouched, time-warp racer.
From the Bohhams press release:
"The Pamplona Collection represents an important group of motorcycles assembled by a prominent Spanish private collector. Over 100 in number, this extraordinarily diverse collection includes a brace of De Dion Bouton-engined machines dating from the closing years of the 19th Century, as well as nine 4-cylinder models from the likes of FN, Ace, Cleveland, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Nimbus and Zündapp. V-twin engined motorcycles are another predominant theme, with no fewer than 18 in the collection including examples from Harley-Davidson, Sunbeam, Vincent, Motosacoche, Peugeot, Matchless, BSA and, of course, Brough Superior in the form of a 1931 SS100. Rare marques represented include Vindec, Wanderer, Acme, Rikuo, Böhmerland, PMZ, Griffon, Standard, Diamant, Laurin & Klement, Phebus and Mabeco.The collection was assembled over the past few years for the enjoyment of the owner’s friends and family, and was housed at various locations before coming to its purpose-built museum home 12 months ago. Almost all of the machines were in running condition at time of purchase, since when they have been carefully stored."
The Thursday night 'dinner auction' began as every MidAmerica auction begins, with a selection of Automobilia, the sale of which benefits various charities - a nice touch. Oddments like a Steve McQueen spanner ($1500) or connecting rod clock ($800) or Hüsqvarna dealer poster ($325) warm up the audience and the circus of auction helpers for bigger things to come.
And yes, it did resemble a circus; while I described each motorcycle as it was pushed onto the rotating podium, eight other people were shouting, leaping, cajoling bidders, gesticulating, waving signs, negotiating (down) reserves with owners, and making a cattle call from the high lectern in the center of the stage. It is indeed a cattle auction, and my job is to extoll Bessie's finer qualities, while explaining her parentage and place in the herd. I had done my homework, so I expected no surprises, although of course I got a few (see below).
The lineup Thursday evening consisted of 80 good-quality machines, almost all of which were totally affordable to anyone with a job ($2-6,000 hammer prices made up the bulk of sales). The Jay Kaufman collection of lightweight motorcycles and scooters taxed my Cushman knowledge, although his Ner-a-Car ($16,000) was right up my alley. It seemed a single phone bidder (#911!) was responsible for most sales of the Kaufman bikes.
High price for the evening, $100,000 at the hammer for an ex-Steve McQueen 1918 ohv Pope 'L' (above), was so far in excess of the next nearest price ($19,000 for a Triumph X75 Hurricane), that a Great Divide was exposed, between rideable old motorcycles and Pedigree Collectibles. While many in our Movement fear a general trend of rising prices and eventual unaffordability for the average collector, the 2010 Las Vegas auction made clear that the vast bulk of older motorcycles remain completely accessible, at least in the current economic climate. The day of the $25,000 Triumph Bonneville/BSA Gold Star is over, prices for these have dropped into the mid-teens... I personally thought a perfect Bonnie for $25k was reasonable, as it was about equal with a new Harley Davidson. But, buyers without deep pockets, who still happen to be employed, should take heart in these lowered auction prices, and go buy the motorcycles they've always wanted, before the economy picks up and prices inevitably rise again! I'd say we have a few years to go, so don't panic, but do commit to buying that perfect Velocette Thruxton or 'square barrel' Triumph Trophy in the near future.
After finishing the auction at 10:30pm, there was little else to do but rest for Friday, where 225 motorcycles would parade before my uncomfortable chair. Thus; sleep, coffee, and back to work at 8am. The tone of the day was established quickly; 'drop the reserve price, or take it home', and almost all owners saw the writing on the wall - prices were down from last year - and hurriedly lowered their expectations. I tip my hat to their practical nature.
Sellers who refused to drop a high financial bar found no takers, and the 'Second Chance Corral' began to swell with unsold machinery... many of which did in fact sell, sometimes at 'Why on earth didn't I offer that?' prices. A case in point; two beautiful Norton Featherbed Internationals, a matched pair of 350cc/500cc ohc beauties, failed to sell on the podium after a rather vague attempt to sell them as a pair (see above), but singly. Confused? Yes. The 500cc Inter sold in the Corral for $10,000... this was a well-restored machine which appeared correct, and in times past (or another location?) ANY 'cammy' Norton would have sold for twice this amount. I kicked myself, but hadn't the wherewithal to buy it.... I really like Featherbed Norton singles.
Other fantastic machines which sold for bargain prices: a pair of 1960s Harley Davidson KRTTs with full racing history (the Dennis Schoenfeldt racers). His cobby 1963 KRTT with 8-gallon 'Daytona' tank, on which Schoenfeldt placed 2nd at that race in 1966, sold for a mere $23,500. His sexy 1968 KRTT, which he owned for 40 years, did a bit better at $29,250, but still, these are rare racing motorcycles with fully documented and laudatory racing lives. A 1969 Clymer Münch Mammut from the David Manthey collection (which sold 2 months ago at auction) had 1,772 miles, and was the 22nd Munch built; it did well at $78,000. That was the high price of the day by almost double. Next on the list was a replica Harley FHAC 'Eight Valve', which made $49,000 - much better than any other replica American racing machine (Indian 8-Valve, Harley Peashooter & Hillclimbers, etc) that weekend, as these tended to fetch in the $25-35k range.
I did manage to peek into the all-action Indoor Flat-Track Racing show in the adjacent Hall; the hotel is mammoth, with a permanent race track/horse track facility. After 9 hours spent with my ear pressed to a PA system, the usually joyous notes of a motorcycle race were too much, even with a pair of earplugs kindly supplied by Gary Inman ofSideburn magazine, who was shooting a story for Italian GQ on a rising flat-track star.
Being tired and hungry and terribly bored of fried food, I sought the best restaurant in the Hotel, Michael's, hoping for something fresh, green, and delicious, plus half a bottle of wine and a cocktail! My companion was 'Black Lightning' Esper from Norway, who suggested the place, and bade me stop before entering, to regard the stained glass doors and gilt signage. 'What are they telling us with these things?', queried Esper, with his sandpaper-dry sense of humor. Within, it was all Mafia-fancy, with red flocked velvet wallpaper, red leather upholstery, and an enormous stained glass dome on the ceiling. Esper tried to explain to the Maitre'd that we were tired of hamburgers and wanted a good meal; somehow his Norse accent, and our host's Croatian accent, negated each other, and they couldn't understand a word the other said. I found myself translating between two people speaking English!
The entire dinner was a comedy - 'bizarre' was Esper's description - prices for a main course ranged from $78 - $180, but the first item to arrive (unordered) to our table was a mighty 10lb platter of canned, pickled vegetables, with a small ramekin of Ranch dressing in the center. 'It looks like dinner is free tonight; why order anything else?'. But we did order, as pickles are hardly dinner (unless you have cheese and bread and beer!). As a palate cleanser, we were given a cocktail glass with lemon sorbet, over which our waiter poured a nice bottle of Dom Perignon. 'Just give me that, you're wasting good champagne' I said to the waiter, as he flicked the bottle away from my hands.
I recommended a straight shot to a meat course, intuiting the most likely 'can't lose' dish, which proved correct. The filets were divine, followed by Bananas Foster created on a cart, with a flame robust enough to hearth-braze a lugged frame. Then another unordered grand platter of sweets, which we completely ignored. Truly, the 1968 Cadillac of restaurants; luxury for show, with tremendous waste. It made for a good story anyway. 'Bizarre'.
Saturday was the day the 'big guns' of the auction were rolled out, the machines expected to fetch high results, and which garnered much pre-sale publicity. Principal among these was the 1950 Vincent Black Lightning, which rolled onstage around 11:40am. I spoke about the machine's rarity (one of 32 made - but 50 surviving!), its provenance, its fabulousness (which was easy), and a klunky auction began, which was halted three times by conferences with Ron Christensen or difficulties with phone bidders, at which times I spoke a little more about the bike... and a little more still. Pay me to talk about a Lightning, no problem. Esper was firm on his reserve of $275,000, and bidding halted at $245,000, so no sale. The last Lightning to sell (in Europe last year) fetched $320,000; in this context the reserve made sense... the bike is now in Colorado having a few incorrect nuts and bolts attended, and I've been given carte blanche to take it for a road test. It will have to wait until the snow clears, but only a fool would refuse such an offer! Watch this space.
Two other 'star' machines, which had much press and TV coverage (see below), were the Jefferson and Lake (above) Board Track Racers, built by Jeff Haberman (see the story on the Jefferson here). They formed the backbone of our Classic Motorcycle Roadshow display, and we had shot footage of Jeff discussing his family history of the bikes, etc. It all seemed an attractive package, but I had taken a phone call from a very well-connected motorcycle impresario the previous day, who explained the 'word on the street' was the bikes were 'fakes'. Ouch. When they came up for auction, there were no bidders at all, just a lot of histrionics from the team on the floor, and phantom action (perfectly legal, up to the reserve price) from the auctioneer.
Which brings up some interesting questions about Replica machinery... all of which did poorly this year. Haberman's machines were indeed replicas, built around as many original parts as he could find, from blueprints he had diligently uncovered in his search for his own family connection to these machines. In the case of the Lake, only an engine was found, but the Jefferson had original frame and other parts. The catalog description didn't include these facts, which may have left MidAmerica and/or Haberman vulnerable to the accusation of 'fakery'. It is typical of an auction catalog to include the best description possible, and it is sensible to leave out untidy details; any rational buyer expects this, caveat emptor. Perhaps it is time, though, for replicas to be clearly advertised as such in all cases; people regularly buy replica machines at auction for good prices, there is a clear market for them, so why not simply advertise the fact? As my friend Josiah quotes, 'I'm just sayin'.
Other high points; a non-matching numbers Vincent Shadow with Rapide engine made $45,000, a couple of immaculate Jim Hiddleston-restored Triumphs went well above their reserve, and you could have taken home a '59 DBD34 Gold Star in very nice original paint condition for $13,000. Excellent Triumphs went for $12k ish, Ariel Square 4's (seven of them! All nice) ranged from $11,500 to $24,000. I missed the last 100 motorcycles, as the only plane out to SFO left at 4:30pm, but all the results are online, below.
The conclusion to all this; it's a buyer's market, unless you have a truly blue-chip, well-documented machine. Prices are back at 2001 levels, and if you want to buy a motorcycle, this is a great time to do it.
While the life of an 'expert commentator' may sound glamorous (being flown to events, put up in hotels and actually getting paid), the reality is far more workmanlike. As mentioned, early arrival at Las Vegas airport on Wednesday meant a very early flight from SFO - in fact, I booked the only seats available there and back. By non-coincidental planning, both the massive Consumer Electronics Show and Adult Entertainment Expo (read: computer and porn conventions - a natural pairing if ever there was one!) are concurrent with the world's largest Old Motorcycle Auction, meaning all flights are booked long in advance, and I hadn't.
My early arrival allowed time to poke around the motorcycles as they were offloaded into the cavernous halls of the South Point Hotel, located 10 miles from the Las Vegas 'strip'... which means a $30 cab ride each way if you want to see what else LV has to offer beside motorcycles, crappy food and gambling. Which is all SPH has available, and I tried every restaurant in the place over the course of 4 days. No, I never left the hotel! My daily schedule (8am to 7pm, or 11pm) would require a substantial sacrifice of sleep and money if I wanted to explore the 'good' parts of Vegas...neither of which I cared to part with. I've already seen Bette Midler, thank you, and eaten at Thomas Keller/Daniel Boulud/Michael Mina's latest alternate-universe clone of the restaurants which made them famous elsewhere. For whatever reason, they ramp up the fat-butter-salt content to satisfy the yearnings of hungry masses, eager to eat at big name, big city joints.
Our film shoot to finish the Classic Motorcycle Roadshow reel went well and late into Wednesday evening, as we needed quiet in the hall; not easy with P.A. microphone checks, semitrailers driving in, and stevedores manhandling motorcycles. We finished around 11pm, and producer Mick still needed to edit the thing, as it would be 'looped' on a big TV at the Classic Motorcycle Roadshow booth, near the auction bleachers. See the result below; feedback welcome - this show is for you!
After a very late dinner (no problem in the temporal netherzone which is Vegas), it was up to my room for some last-minute 'notes to self' on the 500 motorcycles which would pass under my nose over the next 3 days, about which I needed to say something meaningful! When presented with such an array of machinery, I'm constantly finding 'holes' in my internal encyclopedia; for instance, I can expand at length on Lambrettas, but a Cushman Super Eagle is a cipher. Facing a seemingly endless lineup of the American scooters (one man's collection actually), it seemed prudent to start googling before bed.
Thursday morning; habit had me bolt upright at 7am and walking through that unique ringing buzz of the casino to get my coffee, where I met Gordon McCall for breakfast in the lobby's only quiet spot, near the sports bookmaker's corner. Gordon is committed to making his Quail Motorcycle Gathering next May as prestigious an event as his Quail Motorsports Gathering has become over the years. Watch this space for more details as they are confirmed, but it looks as though quite a few GP stars will be on hand, there will be track time at Laguna Seca raceway, a ride along the coastline, and other attractions. The quality of motorcycles on hand in 2010 will be ramped up dramatically from last year, which Gordon admits had a 'club' feel. Sounds like an event not to miss - soon to be a world-class Gathering, given Gordon's track record.
Mid-day Thursday meant more TV spots, clustered around the Vincent Black Lightning brought from Norway by Espen to sell at MidAmerica on Saturday, the high point of the auction. The Vinnie was compelling not simply because of what it was, but the fact that it had clearly been ridden regularly, and wasn't simply a show bike or an investment. Remarkable for a machine so valuable and storied; Espen and I soon discovered we were kindred spirits, with a love for riding motorcycles which technically belong on the track (ie, in full racing trim), and a disinclination to clean off the dirt after every ride! Old dirty fast racing bikes, that's what floats our boat.
Classic Motorcycle Roadshow interviewed a whole phalanx of experts and opinioneers about the Vincent's sales prospects (and the Jefferson/Lake machines as well) - here is Somer Hooker discoursing about what makes a Lightning so unique and compelling.
The story of this particular machine is very interesting; originally imported to the Swedish Vincent dealer, the bike made a rapid detour to Yugoslavia and back, perhaps to avoid taxation issues, as all it's racing history is documented in Sweden proper. Later retirement from active competition meant the possibility of road use, which was undertaken by... stamping the frame numbers from a Vincent Series B 'Rapide' OVER the Lightning numbers, after filing off the originals. This is the only case I've heard where racing serial #s are overstamped with road #s... it's usually someone faking up a racer from a roadster, not vice versa! Espen claims to have spoken with the fellow who played the numbers...a policeman no less...who wouldn't sign a notarized admission of his long-ago act, to protect his reputation at age 90. How utterly frustrating. Still, a little microcrystalline analysis from a global metal testing outfit confirmed the original numbers did correspond with the Swedish import story, and match the (thankfully unmolested) engine serial number.
I'm in Las Vegas a bit early this year, to shoot a few 'fills' for the Classic Motorcycle Roadshow pilot. It gave me a chance for a more leisurely view of the motorcycles as they arrive, and to speak with a few owners before things get really busy tomorrow. About half of the 500 machines have already arrived, with trucks backing into the loading dock, disgorging a lot of great bikes just as fast as they can be processed (for the all-important VIN verification, checking for keys, and to make sure what arrives is what was described!).
I consider it a good omen that the first person I bumped into at the South Point Hotel was Gordon McCall, who is heading up the effort to bring the Quail Motorcycle Gatheringfor its second year, this May. Gordon's baby has been the Quail Motorsports Gathering for many years, which has become among the most exclusive automotive events on the planet; he is committed to shaping the Motorcycle event to the same high standards, including track time at Laguna Seca Raceway for the machines entered in the show, and bringing as many past and present GP stars as possible to the lawn of Quail Lodge golf course this year. I'll keep you posted on developments; when Gordon is on the case, great things can happen.
The crew of Classic Motorcycle Roadshow (cameraman, sound guy, lighting guy, producer) could be seen among the employees of MidAmerica Auctions, helping push bikes into place, and crawling around as necessary to spot those chassis numbers! Here is Mick Way, producer of the show, with George, checking in the 500 bikes... if they look tired, ask how late they worked last night (I think they got to be before midnight). A pair of Ariel Square 4s; a mid-production 'Mk 1' model, with an alloy cylinder head but a single exhaust pipe, stands before a late 'Mk 2', tw0-pipe last-edition variant. Nice! Not all the 500 motorcycles can be Bonnevilles and Squariels; these Honda 3-wheel ATVs were banned over 20 years ago in the US, but still have great, if dangerous, appeal. They weigh less than 200lbs, and the oversize tires mean they can be ridden on water! Calm water, anyway. A lineup of very desirable single-cylinder roadsters; two Featherbed-era Norton Internationals ('54 and '55), and a Vincent Comet. Scooterland! There must be 50 iterations of the lightweight motorcycle theme; Cushmans, Mustangs, a Powell, a Fuji Rabbit, Whizzers, etc. Cheap and cheerful.
And here's the booth for Classic Motorcycle Roadshow, sans people, sans the '09 Curtiss which will grace the stand tomorrow. The Curtiss was the subject of our first shooting schedule last May in St.Paul, MN. It will be nice to see it again. We've already got two Mack-based bikes - the 1914 Jefferson mentioned in a previous post, and a 1919 Lake racer. Perry Mack created quite an engine in 1910, with twin cams and vertical overhead valves, at a time when 'automatic' inlet valves (ie, with no positive valve control, just suction from the piston to draw incoming fuel/air mix, and a weak spring to shut the inlet valve) were the norm.
Mack sold his engines to other manufacturers, but his own bikes were called, initially, the Waverly, then the Jefferson, and after that company ceased trading, he created the 'Lake'. This machine is a re-creation based on an original Lake engine, which is a 'Mack' engine identical to the Jefferson, barring the name cast on the crankcase. It isn't known whether Perry Mack ever sold a Lake motorcycle, but uber-enthusiast Jeff Haberman built a 'period' machine around the engine he found.
Jeff's business is sign writing, and he's quite an engineer; his skills in both areas show via the work he's done building, and patinating, the Lake. An attractive Board Track machine, which he created using original photographs and blueprints as his model.
It's a long story, but due to scheduling conflicts, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering will be covered here in The Vintagent by legendary motorcycle writer John Joss (who worked under Harry Louis at The Motorcycle... way back when) and legendary Vincent know-it-all Somer Hooker has promised to send photos as well.
An affiliate of Midamerica Auctions has been floating the idea of a motorcycle television show to the networks, and the stars aligned for us to shoot a pilot for this possible series at the St. Paul auction this Saturday, May 9th. Thus, I'm fortunate to visit the Minnesota State Fairgrounds!
The actual auction building is a beauty, built in 1909, and of a type we don't see on the West Coast, as brick and earthquakes don't mix well.
The clerestory windows provide great light and the cast iron trellis and post work make for a clear and delicate interior space. I've heard the acoustics are terrible during the auction itself, and I can only imagine an amplified cattle auctioneer going full tilt with an echo accompaniment. A lot of the usual bike which people need were showing up by the truckload yesterday, lined up willy-nilly in the cavernous space, but I am here to see two machines; the 1909 Curtiss v-twin, and a Vincent dragster in original as-raced condition.
But there's Always something to see at the MidAmerica tent... this wonderful mockup is the work of a famous rocket power enthusiast, Ky Michaelson, and despite its fearsome projectile appearance, the bike is powered by a humble old sidevalve motor, with a Triumph slickshift gearbox. More on Ky's creations later...
But here's another shot of the machine showing the mechanicals, plus Mick Way, who is producing the TV pilot; that's his incredibly cute son Dane, ready to go rocketing away any time now.
More auction bikes; for better or worse, you just don't see many BSA A65 choppers anymore... this one is strictly Vintage, and I've had a couple of these myself over the years, although I was quick to dismantle them! Nowadays they are chic...
Unless you prefer your custom with small wheels. A selection of Cushmen in various lurid Easteregg shades... I especially like the stand-up models, like a powered push-scooter.
The humble offices of MidAmerica Auctions; home of the largest vintage motorcycle auction in the world, and current record-holder for highest price paid for a motorcycle at auction... truly a mom-and-pop business run by Ron Christensen and Sandy Doll, and a very few employees. Ron and Sandy work looong hours to make all this happen, and they are branching out to new venues this year. Newest; a tent to sell motorcycles at the Pebble Beach Concours in August! Yep, you read it here first - all those well-heeled car guys can now walk into a tent on the green and buy a Triumph for pocket change. More details to follow - this is a monumental achievement for such a small company, as Pebble is just branching into motorcycles this year (only 8 bikes on the judging green, all British, and again, more later on this).
Another Ky Michaelson creation; the Jet Pack! And it works, although I wasn't going to risk my neck at that moment to try it... perhaps after the cameras are put away...
And this is the bike of the hour; the Curtiss. Enjoy the photos...
