Over 60 outstanding vintage and collectors’ motorcycles will be offered at the Cheffins Vintage Sale on Saturday 23rd July, at the firm’s sale ground at Sutton, near Ely.
With consignments from private collections from across the UK, the motorbikes on offer date from the 1920s, through to modern examples from the early 2000s, and include a number of rare and iconic marques and models.
One of the leading lots of the sale will be a 1978 Moto-Guzzi Le Mans, MK1, which has been consigned from a Hertfordshire collector, and is set to sell for between £10,000 and £12,000. The bike has been in its current ownership for the past 39 years and has been fully restored. Another highlight is an Ariel HT5 from 1957. Lauded as one of the greatest trials bikes ever, and with a short production run from only 1956 – 1959, the Ariel HT5 is one of the most sought-after collectors’ trials bikes on the market, this example has been fully restored and has an estimate of £10,000 - £11,000. From the same collection is also a 1970 500cc Triumph Rickman ‘Petite’ Metisse which has been professionally rebuilt and is an important and unique example, having been ridden by Harry Foster, the builder of Otter solo frames and sidecars. This has an estimate of £10,000 - £12,000.
Among the earlier bikes is a 1940 500cc BSA WM20 which is fully original, having been used during the Second World War. The bike has not been restored and remains in its full wartime outfit, including War Department tyres. With the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings taking place next year, this motorbike would be good purchase for military history enthusiasts, and it has an estimate of £4,000 - £5,000. In addition, there is a 1936 350cc Norton International 40 which has been on display in a private museum in Essex since its purchase seven years ago. With a great racing pedigree, this motorbike is set to sell for £16,000 - £18,000.
In addition, there are four collectable 1970s mopeds on offer, including a 1975 Yamaha FS1E, a 1976 Suzuki AP50, a 1975 Fantic Ti50 and a 1976 Fantic Chopper all of which have been consigned from the same collector.
Jeremy Curzon, Consultant at Cheffins comments:
“We have carefully curated this sale to make sure that there is something for everyone, with motorcycles from both pre and post war, a variety of values and a large range of makes and models. We have seen that collectable bikes from the 1970s and 1980s is currently where the market is most active, however the best in class of pre-war and military machines are also consistently sought after. Of particular note is the Moto-Guzzi Le Mans which is a real centre-fold bike and is beautifully presented. Having been used very sparingly by the current owner, this would be a great get on and ride away example. Similarly, the Ariel HT5 which is arguably one of the best trial bikes ever built and a real rarity would be a lot to watch for collectors. There is also a single owner collection of pre and post war BSAs for restoration including a rare three-wheeler and the most iconic collection of ‘Sixteener’ mopeds from the 1970s, all fascinating stuff.”
The sale will take place on Saturday 22nd July at the Cheffins Machinery Saleground, Sutton, near Ely, CB6 2QT.
For more information, please call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767 or email, machinery@cheffins.co.uk