Photo: H&H Classics
We're used to seeing auction houses bring together highly valuable vehicles during massive sale events, but the one expected to take place on July 12 in the UK is truly impressive in size and value: no less than 248 bikes, which are expected to raise $1.9 million.
The most exciting part of this event is the fact that most of the bikes presented there are made in Italy, a country known for the high-quality machines it produces. Of the 248 motorcycles and scooters, no less than 40 are considered classics, and wear the logos of companies like Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, and Lambretta.
In charge of selling them in Solihull is an organization called H&H Classics. Like most other groups of its kind, it too has its favorites, bikes that will probably sell for a lot more than the average $7,700 value of each of the bikes going under the hammer.
One of the Italian highlights of the auction is a 1996 Bimota YB11. Powered by the 1,000cc Yamaha Thunderace engine fitted inside a twin-spar frame, it's expected to turn quite the number of pockets inside out. Another is a 1973 Moto Guzzi Tuttoterreno trail bike, presenting itself before the crowds in restored condition.
Benelli is present on the lot with a 125 Sport Special from 1972, it too restored and wearing the company's metallic green racing color. Part of the family of bikes that won 270 Grand Prix races and 38 World Riders' Championships, the 2000 MV Agusta F4 is poised to make a splash as well, and hopes to fetch as much as $11,000.
One of the most valuable bikes on the lot is a BSA X-75 Hurricane prototype, a bike that would eventually make it into the world wearing the Triumph logo. Presented for the first time in 1971, it is the motorcycle many consider responsible for giving birth to the cruiser segment of the motorcycle industry.
This particular two-wheeler is one of two ever made, and it has been in the hands of a single owner for the past 41 years. Expectations are very high with this one, as its seller is hoping to get as much as $41,000 for it. That's the price many American classic cars usually go for.
Also at the top of the list in terms of excitement is a 1949 Vincent HRD Black Shadow. Capable of reaching a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), the bike was for many years the world's fastest production motorcycle.
Those looking for a two-wheeler famous for anything but its capabilities, a 1986 Vespa PK125 might be the right choice. This scooter was owned by Valerio Viccei, the mastermind behind one of the biggest bank robberies in history, the 1987 Knightsbridge Security Deposit heist - $98 million were stolen then.
Will keep an eye on the sale for impressive results and update this story accordingly.
In charge of selling them in Solihull is an organization called H&H Classics. Like most other groups of its kind, it too has its favorites, bikes that will probably sell for a lot more than the average $7,700 value of each of the bikes going under the hammer.
One of the Italian highlights of the auction is a 1996 Bimota YB11. Powered by the 1,000cc Yamaha Thunderace engine fitted inside a twin-spar frame, it's expected to turn quite the number of pockets inside out. Another is a 1973 Moto Guzzi Tuttoterreno trail bike, presenting itself before the crowds in restored condition.
Benelli is present on the lot with a 125 Sport Special from 1972, it too restored and wearing the company's metallic green racing color. Part of the family of bikes that won 270 Grand Prix races and 38 World Riders' Championships, the 2000 MV Agusta F4 is poised to make a splash as well, and hopes to fetch as much as $11,000.
One of the most valuable bikes on the lot is a BSA X-75 Hurricane prototype, a bike that would eventually make it into the world wearing the Triumph logo. Presented for the first time in 1971, it is the motorcycle many consider responsible for giving birth to the cruiser segment of the motorcycle industry.
This particular two-wheeler is one of two ever made, and it has been in the hands of a single owner for the past 41 years. Expectations are very high with this one, as its seller is hoping to get as much as $41,000 for it. That's the price many American classic cars usually go for.
Also at the top of the list in terms of excitement is a 1949 Vincent HRD Black Shadow. Capable of reaching a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), the bike was for many years the world's fastest production motorcycle.
Those looking for a two-wheeler famous for anything but its capabilities, a 1986 Vespa PK125 might be the right choice. This scooter was owned by Valerio Viccei, the mastermind behind one of the biggest bank robberies in history, the 1987 Knightsbridge Security Deposit heist - $98 million were stolen then.
Will keep an eye on the sale for impressive results and update this story accordingly.
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