Amazing Moto-Icons Classic Bike Collection Auction

Have you ever spent time daydreaming about your ultimate classic motorcycle collection? Which bikes you’d buy if money was no object? The problem is that unless you come by an inheritance or a lottery win, you’ll be too busy earning the cash in the first place to spend time building your collection. But this amazing Moto-Icons classic bike collection auction will solve the problems of the newly minted.

A total of 20 stunning motorcycles were bought by one owner over the last 10 years. And they’re some of the most iconic two-wheeled machines of the last century. Prepare to drool over bikes from names including Brough, Gilera, MV Agusta, a Norton Manx, and early BMWs, Indians, a Zundapp and more. And they’re for sale in an auction called ‘Moto-Icons: From Cafe Racer to the Superbike’, which is being held by RM Sotheby’s at the famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend. The annual celebration of the very best in automotive history is a suitable venue, when you check out the amazing Moto-Icons classic bike collection auction list. So let’s begin.

1928 Brough Superior SS100 “Moby Dick”

The auction includes a total of 5 Broughs for sale. But the headliner is the 1928 Brough Superior SS100 “Moby Dick” which has a 1140cc engine tuned by George Brough and JAP. This bike was described by Motor Cycling Magazine in 1931 as the ‘fastest privately owned machine in the world’. Which isn’t surprising considering it could reach 115mph.

The 1928 Brough Superior SS100 “Moby Dick” is estimated to sell for between €500,000-€700,000 Euros. But for Brough fans on a smaller budget, the amazing Moto-Icons classic bike collection auction also includes a 1936 Brough Superior SS100, which was one of 102 SS100s to feature a Matchless engine (estimate €180,000 to €250,000). And a 1938 Brough Superior SS80 De Luxe (estimate €100,000-€150,000). Or a 1933 Brough Superior SS80 De Luxe which belong to Brough Superior owner and CEO Mark Upham (€120,000-€180,000).

Oh, and you can also buy a more modern superbike. In this case, it’s the 2011 Brough Superior SS100 750 “Baby Pendine” which set new records at the 2013 Bonneville Speed Trials (€100,000-€150,000).

So that’s already 5 ruddy impressive bikes for sale. But there’s more…

Ex-Scuderia Duke 1957 Gilera 500 ‘4-Cilindri’

Another gorgeous, and famous classic motorcycle. This is the last of 15 racing 500GP motorcycles made by Gilera. Which means the 1957 Gilera 500 ‘4-Cilindri’ was raced by the likes of Derek Minter, John Hartle and Phil Read back when it was competing at the top level of motorcycle racing. The Gilera Four machines went through a lot of redesigns while it was being produced, and this particular bike is thought by many to have been right at the high point. It’s not only rare, but also in very original condition. Which is why the ex-Scuderia Duke 1957 Gilera 500 ‘4-Cilindri’ is estimated to go for €380,000-€450,000.

2010 MV Agusta 500 3-Cilindri

If you’ve collapsed in a drooling heap already, it’s not surprising. But there’s more to overload your motorcycling senses. How about a well-documented 2010 MV Agusta 500 3-Cilindri, the last of six collaboration bikes created with Giacomo Agostini. It’s based on the MV Agusta 500 Three which Ago rode to seven consecutive championships. And also ridden by Agostini himself? It’s set to cost €200,000-€250,000.

Obviously 1 MV Agusta isn’t enough. So the collection also includes a 1968 MV Agusta 860 Magni, modified by Giovanni Magni in 2007 (€100,000-€150,000). And a 1974 Mv Agusta 750 S, originally owned by factory rider Gianfranco Bonera and with just 3,270 kilometres on the clock (estimate €90,000-€130,000). Oh, and how about a 1954 MV Agusta 125 Monoalbero Corsa, which is 1 of just 400 ever made. It’s been restored to concours competition spec. And should reach €40,000-€70,000.

At this point it’s slightly scary that we’re only halfway through the 20 bikes on offer. So let’s crack on with the amazing Moto-Icons classic bike collection auction.

Jack Ahearn’s 1963 Norton Manx 30M?

Not only is this a gorgeous 1963 Norton Manx 30M. But it’s believed to be the machine Jack Ahearn rode to victory in the 1964 Finnish Grand Prix. No wonder it should reach €50,000-€70,000.

Other highlights include a 1954 BMW RS 54, which was one of only 24 bikes produced that year, and which was later restored by former BMW factory racer Kurt Busch (estimate €125,000-€175,000). Or how about a 1919 Indian Powerplus Board Track Racer, one of the first generation of bikes ever built? It’s estimated for €50,000 to €70,000.

The list keeps going. In the bargain basement section, there’s a freshly restored 1937 Zundapp K800 for example, at just €20-€35,000. Many of the bikes are listed with no reserve, including bikes from BSA, AJS and Egli-Vincent which would stand out in any other auction. How often would a hand-crafted Egli-Vincent with magnesium casings on the 1330 engine, finished with aluminium bodywork and gold parts be this far down the list?

Or frame 1 of the 50 Norton Domiracers to be built, which was the 15th bike to be completed. And one of even fewer to be road-registered, which was a £2,000 extra option. How about the “Tribute to Japan” a custom 1970 Honda CB450 originally created to be displayed by Honda at the 2013 Brussels Auto Show by builder Fred Krugger. And featruing a reversed cylinder head rumoured to have taken 30 hours of work alone. Plus a backwards fitted 1966 Black Bomber tank, and more custom parts than you can take in at first glance.