LONDON AUCTION OF VINCENT BLACK SHADOW: Bonham's auctioneers in London has already announced the line-up for their next sale of collectable motorcycles. Among the rare old motorcycles to go under the hammer is the last ever Series-C Vincent Black Shadow.
Stamped and signed by the legendary John Surtees, the 1955 Vincent is in great condition, and "is now performing as well as it did in 1955," according to Rebecca Ruff of Bonhams. This is the final series of the Shadow, making it an exceptionally rare and precious machine. It is expected to fetch around €60,000 to €75,000, according to Bonhams.
Freddie Dixon's 1928 Isle of Man Junior TT works Douglas is also up for grabs. The famous rider developed this racing works prototype in 1928 for the Isle of Man TT junior race where he took 18th place. It is expected to fetch between €40,000 and €50,000.
One of the first Honda CB750s sold in the UK will also be for auction, as well as the ex-Mead & Tomkinson, 1976 Laverda 'Nessie' Endurance Racing Prototype.
This auction will be held at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Stafford on October 21st. For further information visit www.bonhams.com
HONDA 750 RETRO
Meanwhile, rumours are doing the rounds in the motorcycle industry that Honda is set to re-create a new retro machine identical to the radical 1969 CB750.
Heralded as revolutionary, sophisticated and a refined machine at the time, the CB750 had a four-cylinder engine, a disc front brake and overhead camshaft, which are commonplace in motorcycles today.
BMW BUYS HUSQVARNA
BMW has bought the Husqvarna motorcycle brand. The deal was struck last week with Husqvarna boss Claudio Castiglioni. The deal means that BMW buys the brand, production facilities and takes charge of all the staff. No price has been announced yet.
MID-ANTRIM ROAD RACES
If you're a die-hard road racing fan then you'll relish the prospect of watching daredevil racers speed past you through the Antrim countryside. The Mid-Antrim 150 road race takes place at the weekend, August 3rd and 4th.
- Patricia Weston
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