On 23 September, Bonhams will hold an important sale at Alexandra Palace, in conjunction with the Devitt MCN Ally Pally Show and Supersprint. The entire sale is composed of a significant single-owner collection and includes an astonishing range of 74 machines such as World Championship motorcycles, eight MV Agustas and a number of historically important racers.
A highlight of the sale is the 1973 MV Agusta 500/3 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle. Part of the much-lauded Roberto Anelli Collection, it is thought that this machine was used by Giacomo Agostini – the 500/3 was certainly his model of choice as he used it in seven consecutive World Championships between the years 1966 – 1972. Its estimate is £250,000- 350,000. Agostini is one of the most successful European motorcycle racers ever, with a total of 122 GP wins and 15 World Championship titles.
The sale boasts a total of 8 MV Agusta machines, including a 1971 MV Agusta 750S (£70,000-100,000) and a 1977 MV Agusta 750S America, which has covered a mere 42 miles from new (£70,000-100,000). A more unusual offering from the legendary Italian marque is the 2000 MV Agusta F4 Serie Oro (£18,000-24,000). The F4’s engine was based on a Ferrari F1 design, and MV Agusta were assisted by engineers from Maranello throughout the production process. The result was completely unique – the racial-valved engine remains the only one in production to this day.
Racing bikes are a common theme throughout the sale, and one highlight is the 1961 Beart-Norton 350cc Manx Racing Motorcycle (£50,000-70,000) used in period by Jimmy Guthrie. Born in Hawick, Guthrie achieved a staggering 19 GP wins, three victories in the North West 200 and a total of 6 at the Isle of Man TT.
British marques are very well represented in the collection, with 12 Triumphs being offered including a 1953 Triumph T100C with factory speed kit installed (£20,000-30,000) and a 1961 Triumph T120C Bonneville Scrambler (£15,000-22,000).
Other highlights include:
- A rare and historic 1978 MV Agusta 861 Magni is estimated to achieve £60,000- 80,000. The 861 Magni was the first model produced by the legendary Arturo Magni and his sons’ motorcycle factory.
- 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast (£20,000-30,000)
- 1978 MV Agusta 850SS (£55,000-75,000)
- 1939 Velocette 349cc KTT MKVIII (£40,000-50,000)
- 1855 Vincent 998cc Black Knight (£40,000-50,000)
- An ex-works 1926 Scott Racing Motorcycle (£30,000-40,000)
