An incredible collection of 60 rare, predominantly American motorcycles will be offered at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale, taking place Oct. 17-18.
“This is an incredibly rare find; 60 fantastic collectors’ motorcycles, all carefully stored in the Brescia-based private museum of entrepreneur and CEO of the Santoni Group, Tiberio Lonati,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles.
“Mr. Lonati loved what motorcycles represent, ‘complete freedom’, the open road, something highly synonymous with US motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson — which is perhaps why he had so many.”
Stored in an astonishing private museum of motorcycles, the prized collection celebrates American marques from across pivotal points in motorcycle manufacture. Highlights include a 1910 Pierce 688cc Four, estimate $93,000-$124,000 (£60,000-80,000), and a 1930 Indian 1,265cc Model 402 four-cylinder combination, estimate $62,000-$77,500 (£40,000-50,000).
The collection includes a variety of marques and models, including a 1916 Henderson 1,000cc Model F, estimate $46,500-$62,000 (£30,000-40,000), pre-war great the 1911 Flying Merkel 500cc “Racer,” estimate $24,800-$31,000 (£16,000-20,000), a 1920 Harley-Davidson Model J, estimate $27,900-$37,200 (£18,000-24,000), and at 100 years old, the 1915 Thor 1,000cc Model U, estimate $43,400-$38,750 (£28,000-25,000).
Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale takes place Oct.17-18 at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground. The Lonati Collection will be sold on Saturday.
For further information on the Bonhams motorcycle department visit the Bonhams website.