Rare Historic Motorbikes Boost Sales to £1.2 million

83% of Bikes Sold on June 9th at The National Motorcycle Museum

15/06/2021     Motorbikes

1937 Indian Four 437 sold at auction

1937 Indian Four 437 sold for £95,450

Top selling bike at this hugely successful £1.2M sale on June 9th at the National Motorcycle Museum was this lovely 1937 Indian Four 437 above. The 1937 Indian Four 437 had been in its current ownership since 1967 and was estimated to sell for £45,000 - £50,000, but after stiff competition was knocked down for £95,450.

The bike was originally purchased by the vendor's wife in 1967 as a present for him and was UK registered from new. The bike was used regularly until 1983, then sent for restoration to concourse standard by Bill Healing.

This splendid sale was put together by H&H Classics Head of Motorcycles, Mike Davis, whose selection of rare and historic bikes created huge interest and some very buzzy bidding.

1914 Sparkbrook Vee Twin sold at auction

1914 Sparkbrook Vee Twin sold for £43,700

Another rare bike sold was this 1914 Sparkbrook Vee Twin reputed to be the only one from 1914 known to have survived. It was estimated to sell for £22,000 to £24,000 but made £43,700.

Restored in 2010/11 to show winning standard it has been used in many events until a few years ago and run last in 2019. It will need light recommissioning before use.

Mike Davis commented: “This is a handsome and very usable veteran machine. Sparkbrook is pioneer registered and has completed the run previously.”

The V5C and pioneer certificates for this bike are on file.

1920 Nut Model TT sold at auction

1920 Nut Model TT sold for £33,350

This much-loved 1920 Nut Model TT had been in its current ownership since 1962 and was estimated to sell for £24,000 - £26,000, but sold for £33,350.

It was purchased by the vendor in 1962 for £35.00 and was then professionally restored in the 1980s to concourse standard, with paperwork for work carried out.

The work was carried out using all original parts and detailed attention to the correct electrical equipment.

The current owner has been a Nut marque specialist for many years, hence the importance of originality during the restoration.

It has been used on many rallies and VMCC tours until 1995, last run five years ago. It requires light recommissioning before use. It has a current V5c and two RF60 logbooks.

1949 Velocette MK8 KTT sold at auction

1949 Velocette MK8 KTT – Sold for £39,100

This 1949 Velocette MK8 KTT, one of a handful built by Rod Coleman, sold for £39,100. It is one of Britain’s most iconic and successful racing motorcycles

Purchased from Rod Coleman by Willi Marewski for his private museum and was used for many events around the UK and Europe.

Last used in late 2019 it has been part of a display since. It was described by the vendor as being "in excellent condition and running perfectly"

1930 Indian Scout 101 sold at auction

1930 Indian 101 Scout sold for £25,300

This 1930 Indian 101 Scout, much favoured by Wall of Death riders, sold for £25,300.

The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was founded in Springfield Massachusetts in 1901 and produced bikes up to 1953, at one point being the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. The 101 Scout designed by Charles B Franklin was only produced for 3 years between 1928 and 1931 and was noted for its power and handling. It was popular with both racers and track riders alike becoming the bike of choice for Wall of Death riders, in fact some are still in use today for that very purpose.

This very desirable example was restored by renowned Indian expert Alan Forbes of Edinburgh with most of the work being carried out by Rick Parkington around 2005 in the 'Bobber' style popular in the 1930s. Basically just stripped of its heavy mudguards to create an even lighter sporty look, nothing has been altered on the frame to stop it being put back to standard if so desired. The bike has spent the last few years on display in the vendor's lounge but has been started and run recently.

The next H&H Motorcycle Auction is set to take place on Wednesday 4th August 2021. Get in touch today to consign your Classic Motorbike!