Rare Bikes at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Auction

MELBOURNE – Feb 13, 2014: Twelve rare motorcycles from Britain, Germany, Italy and Japan are going under the hammer at Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction on February 17 - four with no reserve price.

British pride is shared by a very rare circa 1950 Scott Flying Squirrel, a brace of Douglas solos and a desirable Triumph Bonneville.

The Flying Squirrel is a survivor of Scott’s early post-War motorcycles and is coming from a small private collection in largely complete and unrestored condition.

Because of its exceptional rarity and potential for preservation or restoration, Shannons believe it will sell in the $9,000-$12,000 range.

The two Douglas bikes will be equally sought-after by British bike enthusiasts.

The 1947 350T solo is a fine example of Douglas’ first post-war motorcycle that has benefitted from considerable refurbishment and is expected to bring $8,000-$11,000.

Meanwhile a 1957 Dragonfly 350cc – one of the last Douglas motorcycles made – also offered in nicely refurbished condition but with no reserve – is expected to sell in the $5,000-$8,000 range. Also with no reserve is a circa 1950 BSA Auto Cycle in unrestored condition ($1,000-$1,500).

Finally from Britain there is a restored and very desirable five-speed 1972 Triumph T120V Bonneville 650cc solo that is expected to bring $9,000-$12,000.

The two sporting Italian motorcycles in the auction – a 1974 MV Agusta 750S America and a 1975 Ducati 860GT – have already attracted considerable attention from enthusiasts and collectors.

The MV Agusta 750 Sport was one of the fastest road bikes of its era and the four-cylinder example being offered comes in top condition and long-term ownership from a small, private collection.

It is showing just 39,917km, believed genuine, on its odometer and comes with all the wanted ‘MV’ features, including a full fairing painted in the marque’s traditional red and silver, twin front disc brakes with Brembo calipers, Tommaselli clip-ons and rides on 18” Borrani alloy rims.

Because of its low mileage, rarity and exceptional condition, Shannons predict it will sell in the $60,000-$70,000 range.

The Ducati is a model rarely seen in Australia, making it an interesting and affordable bike for Italian motorcycle enthusiasts at its anticipated $9,000-$12,000 selling range.

From Germany comes another very desirable motorcycle – a nicely-presented 1939 BMW R12 with a rare, matching Stoyer sidecar combination.

The single carburettor R12 was imported from the United States and is being offered in partially restored condition with 27,426 miles – possibly genuine – on its odometer.

The outfit represents a great opportunity for collectors of German motorcycles and it is expected to bring $18,000-$22,000.

Finally, there are four Japanese motorcycles in the auction – a very collectable 1966 Suzuki T10 250cc that has been the subject of a comprehensive and expensive restoration ($8,000-$11,000), a tidy 1977 Yamaha TT500 Trail Bike ($4,000-$7,000), a 1974 Honda CT70 Mini Trail Bike in original condition and a 1970 Yamaha HT1 90cc Trail Bike – the latter two both offered with no reserve ($2,000-$3,500 and $3,000-$5,000 respectively)