Sale of collectors’ motorcycles achieves nearly $1.5 million. Photo courtesy Bonhams.
On Jan. 24, 2019, at the Rio Hotel & Casino, Bonhams’ annual Las Vegas auction saw the 1938 Triumph 5T Speed Twin formerly owned by Steve McQueen sell for $175,500. When the hammer fell and the King of Cool’s ride set a new world auction record, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.
Another highlight was the 1993 Ducati Supermono, one of just 67 made, that was bought for $115,000, as well as the 1974 Munch Mammoth TTS, known as the world’s first superbike, that made $112,000. Another crowd favorite was the collection of six 1971 Honda Motorsport models — the full range of that model-year offered as one lot — that was purchased by a young lady from France, much to the delight of attendees.
Said Craig Mallery of Bonhams’ US Motorcycle Department, “We had a very impressive selection of approximately 125 rare, uncommon and high-quality motorcycles on offer this year. It’s a selective market at the moment and while some of our motorcycles didn’t meet reserve, there were many exceptional sales.”
For complete results, please visit Bonhams.com/Vegas. For more information about our highly anticipated Grand Palais sale in Paris next week, visit Bonhams.com/Motoring.