Third Annual Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction Most Successful To Date

The catalog consisted of an incredible assortment of rare and important motorcycles from around the world, including several machines from prominent museums and private collections such the E. Paul du Pont family, the Springfield Museum, and prestigious private collections from Europe, Asia and America. More than $2.6 million in merchandise was sold.

Last week, Bally’s Hotel & Casino hosted a record crowd for the Third Annual Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction. More than $2.6 million in merchandise was sold, making it the most successful Las Vegas-based auction to date.

The catalog consisted of an incredible assortment of rare and important motorcycles from around the world, including several machines from prominent museums and private collections such the E. Paul du Pont family, the Springfield Museum, and prestigious private collections from Europe, Asia and America.

The world-headlining 1939 BMW Rennsport 255 Kompressor sold to a private American collector within hours of the auction for $480,000.

Continuing the trend from previous years of offering rare competition BMWs, a 1954 BMW Rennsport 54 sidecar racing outfit brought $167,800 after spirited international bidding, being acquired by a private American collector.

A 1952 Vincent Black Shadow, another renowned marque, made $134,800 and went to a collection in the Middle East after winning against multiple U.S. bidders.

The ex-Otis Chandler 1920 Mars Type A20 brought $86,250 and will make its home at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Ala., where it will be on public display.

A quintessential barn find and literally untouched for 75 years, the Australian speedway championship 1929 Harley-Davidson Pea Shooter brought $69,000 from the official sculptor for Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

The much discussed ex-Indian Motorcycle Museum 1902 Rambler Model B in original condition sold for $66,700 after intense interest from collectors both in person and over the phone.

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Group CEO and auctioneer at this year’s sale, sale:

“Now in our third year here in Las Vegas, we have witnessed year-over-year growth and, particularly this year, many new attendees and registrants," said Malcom Barber, Bonhams Group CEO. "The international motorcycle market shows strength at all levels.”

The next Bonhams motoring auction takes place at the Grand Palais in Paris on Thursday, Feb. 7 during Retromobile week. It will include more than 100 motorcycles.