Comprising approximately 300 motorcycles, and representing every decade of the 20th century, this important collection was built up by the museum’s founder, motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli, over a period of 40 years. The auctioning of the Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum will take place at Bonhams’ annual Autumn Stafford Sale, Oct. 18-20, 2019, in Stafford, England.
In fact, the size of the collection will extend the Autumn sale. “This is the largest single collection to be sold by Bonhams and as such means that we will extend our Autumn sale to three days for the first time. It really will be a unique opportunity for motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts from across the globe to bid for some truly special lots,” says Ben Walker, International Department Director for Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles.
Highlights of the collection include two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection. First is the 1974 125cc Morbidelli ridden by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix. The second Morbidelli bike to go under the hammer is a 250cc machine ridden by 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, gaining a second place at Misano.
Other notable lots of the Morbidelli Collection include the 1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini, and a 1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero ridden by Dorino Serfini, one of only three in the world. Also up for auction will be the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle. See more of their collection on their website. MC