Pamplona Motorcycle Collection To Be Auctioned

Bonhams Auctions had just revealed that an important collection of 100 motorcycles, mainly pre-1950 machines, from Pamplona, Spain, will go on sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon on February 27, 2010. The Pamplona Collection represents an important group of motorcycles assembled by a prominent Spanish private collector.

Over 100 in number, this collection includes several De Dion Bouton-engined machines dating from the 19th Century, as well as nine four-cylinder models from the likes of Ace, Cleveland, Excelsior, FN, Henderson, Indian, Nimbus and Zundapp.

V-twin engined motorcycles are also included in the collection, featuring examples from Harley-Davidson, Sunbeam, Vincent, Motosacoche, Peugeot, Matchless, BSA and Brough Superior in the form of a 1931 SS100. Rare marques represented include Vindec, Wanderer, Acme, Rikuo, Böhmerland, PMZ, Griffon, Standard, Diamant, Laurin & Klement, Phebus and Mabeco.

The collection was housed at various locations before coming to its purpose-built museum home 12 months ago. According to Bonhams, almost all of the machines were in running condition at time of purchase, since when they have been carefully stored.

"It is a pleasure to be offering for sale such a fine and outstanding collection of motorcycles,” Ben Walker, Head of the Motorcycles Department at Bonhams, said in a release. “The vendor has managed to assemble, over a relatively short period of time, a world-class collection of rare machinery and this sale represents a fantastic opportunity for the enthusiast and collector to acquire something really special for their garage."