From Italy with love: auction showcasing the essence of Italian design and sprezzatura

National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands 12th Jul, 2023

06/07/2023    

From Italy with love: auction showcasing the essence of Italian design and sprezzatura

  • H&H Classics is presenting over 40 Italian made motorcycles and scooters going up for auction in Solihull
  • A total of 248 lots will be going to auction, from brands such as Ducati, Vespa, Lambretta and MV Agusta which are expected to fetch £1.5 million in sales
  • Almost one century’s worth of motorcycle and scooter design and engineering will be showcased at the National Motorcycle Museum on the 12 July

Classic vehicle auction house, H&H Classics, are set to sell over 40 classic Italian made scooters and motorcycles, from 11 different manufacturers, at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, on 12 July.

The highly anticipated auction will bring together a diverse range of 248 motorcycles and scooters with a total estimated value of £1.5 million. A rich heritage of brands such as Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Lambretta, and many more, will take centre stage at the auction.

Among the strong lot line-up is the 1996 Bimota YB11, a rare 1000cc thoroughbred superbike utilising the best of Italian and Japanese engineering of the late 1990s. The YB11 used the iconic Yamaha Thunderace engine in a beautiful twin spar frame, and has an estimated price of £4,500 to £5,500.

Fans of trail bikes will not be disappointed either, the 1973 Moto Guzzi Tuttoterreno is a rare all-terrain trail bike authentically restored back to its original condition. The two stroke, 125cc all-terrain bike is expected to fetch between £2,250 - £2,750.

The 1972 Benelli 125 Sport Special could be an ideal purchase for a buyer looking for a recently restored Italian import. Presented in the trademark metallic green racing colours, this sporty single cylinder motorcycle is expected to reach between £3,500 - £4,500.

Regarded by many as the most beautiful motorbike ever made, the 2000 MV Agusta F4 modern classic could be considered a steal at £7,500 - £8,500. MV Agusta rightly holds legendary status in the motorsport world having won 270 Grand Prix races, 38 World Riders' Championships and 37 World Constructors Championships.

Those interested in Italian scooters will be excited for the 1966 Lambretta SX225 ‘BelAir 2’ which is argued to be the finest scooter Innocenti ever produced, whereas the 1978 Vespa (Douglas) Rally 200 represents an original scootering, icon with a mere two owners from new.

The hand built 1971 BSA X-75 Hurricane Prototype will also be offered for sale, commanding a price of £28,000 - £32,000 due to its historical significance and scarcity. Just two prototypes were built, but this example has been under sole ownership since 1982.

Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics, said: “We are excited to present a remarkable collection of motorcycles and scooters at the upcoming National Motorcycle Museum auction. This varied assortment features a range of lots from well-known Italian manufacturers, truly capturing the essence of Italy's rich motoring heritage. The collection exemplifies the ingenuity and passion that characterises the Italian motorcycle and scooter industry, evoking a variety of emotions and captivating the interest of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. From iconic scooters that have stood the test of time to high-performance superbikes, each lot represents a cherished work of craftsmanship and design.”

Bidders and enthusiasts alike can explore the full catalogue of exceptional lots, each with its own distinctive story. Other lots include the prestigious 1949 HRD Black Shadow, which held the title of fastest road vehicle until the early 1960s. Paul Weller’s 1968 Lambretta SX200 will be up for sale as well as the historically fascinating 1986 Vespa PK125 which belonged to Italian gangster Valerio Viccei.

Interested buyers can participate in the auction both in person at the National Motorcycle Museum, or remotely via online or telephone bidding. Detailed information on the bidding process, registration, and the complete auction catalogue can be found on the official H&H Classics website. 

ENDS

 

Notes
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the only employee owned, and longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.

Over the past 30 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk


Useful Links

H&H Classics – https://www.handh.co.uk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HHClassicsLtd/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/handhclassics

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/handhclassics/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/HandHAuctions

 


1972 Benelli 125 Sport Special in trademark green racing colours.


2000 MV Agusta F4 considered to be the most beautiful superbike ever made. 

 

 

BSA Vetter Rocket 3 'X-75 Hurricane Prototype' thought to be one of two prototypes ever built.


1978 Vespa Rally 200 has just two owners from new.

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