Bike Heaven For Collectors at Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction
• World class Vincent Black Shadow Series C 1000cc
• Two great ‘no reserve’ collections
• Collectible Ducati 916 ‘Senna’
Some of the world’s most desirable motorcycles are going under the hammer at Shannons March 4 Sydney Autumn Auction, headlined by a fabulous Vincent Black Shadow Series C – the ultimate road bike of its era.
With its hand-assembled 998cc air-cooled V-twin, the Black Shadow trumped Vincent’s Pre-War flagship motorcycle, the Rapide, that until then was recognised as being the world’s fastest production motorcycle.
Making them special for local collectors, the engines of both milestone Vincents were designed by brilliant Australian engineer Phil Irving and were housed in an advanced frame with cantilever rear suspension.
Thanks to Irving’s brilliance, the Black Shadow re-wrote the rule book when it came to high performance motorcycles, while it also proved a winner in competition, particularly in Australia and on the Bonneville salt flats.
Produced over three series (B, C and D), the Black Shadow continued until 1955 and official production figures put the total at 1,774 units, of which 1,507 fell into the Series C range.
The C Series Black Shadow being auctioned by Shannons comes out of 56 years’ ownership by its late Sydney-based enthusiast, who retired as the Chief Production Engineer with Boeing Australia after 52 years and was a foundation member of both the BMW and Ulysses motorcycle clubs.
The Vincent has exceptional provenance and is accompanied by the original buff log book and comprehensive documentation showing all owners from new.
Today the Vincent Black Shadow has attained cult status amongst motorcycle fans and survivors are sought after by collectors the world over. They achieve six figure sums on the rare occasions they come on the open market, with Shannons quoting a conservative guiding range of $120,000-$150,000.
Four freshly restored classic British motorcycles from another deceased estate are also crossing the block at Shannons Sydney Auction on March 4 – all offered with ‘no reserve’.
Three of the four – a 1969 BSA 650 Lightning, a 1965 Triumph Thunderbird 650cc Motorcycle and a 1973 Triumph 750 Tiger TR7RV – are each expected to sell in the $10,000-$12,000 range. Meanwhile, a 1974 Norton 850 Commando Interstate, is expected to sell in the $13,000-$16,000 range.
Some wonderful Vintage and Veteran motorcycles are also on offer with ‘no reserve’ from another local collection. They include a very rare circa-1911 Abingdon 'King Dick' 794cc V-Twin solo ($24,000-$28,000); an unrestored c1925 Triumph Model P 500cc in ‘Project’ condition ($4,000-$5,000); an essentially complete c1926 AJS Model G 350cc ($5,000 - $7,000) and a complete c1930 Triumph Model CTT 500cc ($12,000 - $14,000).
Two great period Honda road bikes are also in the auction – a completely restored 1971 CB750 K1 ($15,000-$20,000) and a very original 1981 CBX 1000 Super Sport from the last year of production ($8,000-$10,000) – both offered at ‘no reserve’.
For BMW enthusiasts there is a very original 1973 R90S 900cc solo that was a stablemate to the Vincent Black Shadow ($9,000-$12,000), while Ducati fans have the choice of two great and rare solos.
First up there is a one-owner-from-new 1970 450 Mk3 Scrambler – the largest Ducati Scrambler made in the 1970s – that is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $10,000-$12,000.
However, the ‘Duke’ that will really get enthusiasts fired up is a two-owner-from-new, limited edition (No. 13/300) 1997 1997 Ducati 916 'Senna' solo with aftermarket Termignoni pipes that is expected to command $24,000 - $28,000.
View all Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction & Rare Number Plates
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
