The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash | October 11-12 2025
Bonhams are now inviting entries for their Autumn Stafford Sale – whether it’s a barn-find BSA, a
concours Ducati, a one-owner superbike, or an entire collection, Bonhams want to hear from
you.
Bonhams has been setting the benchmark for motorcycle auctions globally – with over £4.4
Million sold already this year – and right now is a great time to get involved.
If you’re thinking of selling – or even just considering it – get in touch. No pressure, just proper
advice and global exposure for when the time is right.
Let Bonhams make your bike the next headline lot. Contact the Bonhams Motorcycle Team
today!
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8963 2817
Website: www.bonhams.com/motorcycles
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After the phenomenal success of Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale – which roared past
expectations, achieving £3.2 Million and an industry-leading 96% sell-through rate – the
Bonhams Motorcycle Team is now gearing up for their highly-anticipated Autumn Stafford Sale.
With an exceptional lineup of motorcycles already entered – including some of the rarest and
most coveted machines on the planet – Bonhams’ auction is shaping up to be an unmissable
highlight of the season. Early consignments include:
1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide – Estimate £180,000 – 240,000
One of just 78 examples of the Series ‘A’ were produced before the outbreak of war curtailed production. The 13th
Series ‘A’ Rapide built, DNK was tested by none other than George Brown, and retains its original frame, engine,
gearbox and registration number. Benefiting from a painstaking restoration, with a focus on accuracy, originality,
and road-readiness. This is one of the most evocative and historically significant British motorcycles of the pre-war
era – a true ‘holy grail’ machine that shaped the future of high-performance motorcycles, making it a crown jewel
for any collector!
Bonhams’ Jonathan Vickers, Regional Manager for the South West – and renowned for the unearthing of the
legendary “Broughs of Bodmin Moor,” one of the most significant motorcycle discoveries in recent history – has
revealed a remarkable trio of Veteran motorcycles from the pioneering era of motorcycling:
Left: c.1909 ‘Chater Lea’-JAP 300cc – Estimate £3,500 – 4,500
Centre: 1910 Bradbury 3½hp Motorcycle with Wicker Sidecar – Estimate £7,000 – 10,000
Right: 2025 VMCC Banbury Run, Feridax Trophy Winner, 1911 Douglas 2¾hp Model D – Estimate £7,000 – 9,000
Formerly the property of Kenneth Neve OBE and Alain de Cadenet, 1929 Brough Superior SS100 ‘JTOR’
Estimate £160,000 – 200,000
This Bentley & Draper spring-framed SS100 was originally supplied new to a Mr Sexton of southwest London in July 1929. Little is known of its early history until the 1960s, when it was acquired by the late Kenneth Neve OBE of
Cheshire – an iconic figure in British vintage motoring. Neve, a former President of the Vintage Sports-Car Club and
one of the founding figures behind its Northern Section, had a long and celebrated association with significant
machinery, including Vauxhall 30-98s, Bugattis, and Brough Superiors, the latter of which he campaigned at
Brooklands.
Neve sold this SS100 in 1975 to the late great racing driver, collector, and broadcaster Alain de Cadenet. Today, it
remains in superb ‘garage find’ condition – a remarkable discovery, from the ownership of two giants of the historic
motoring world.
Part of the late Neil Redley Collection
Bonhams is proud to present the Neil Redley Collection, a tribute to the post-war motorcycles of the iconic British
manufacturer Velocette. Renowned for their pioneering engineering, racing pedigree, and exceptional
craftsmanship, amongst the highlights of the collection is the Earls Court Motorcycle Show, 1956 Velocette 499cc
Venom (estimate £6,000–10,000), originally unveiled at the 1955 Earls Court Motorcycle Show. This is the very first
production model, showcased in its correct Dove Grey and Beige livery – a striking departure from the era’s
convention, when motorcycles were famously offered in “any colour you wanted, as long as it was black.”
Earls Court Motorcycle Show, 1956 Velocette 499cc Venom – £6,000–10,000
Neil’s remarkable collection also features other exotic examples such as the 1970 Indian-Velocette 499cc
Thruxton (Estimate £8,000 – 12,000) and the c.1970 Indian-Velocette 499cc Venom (Estimate £6,500 – 8,500) both
from a limited production run of just around 150 units. These Indian-Velocette motorcycles emerged from a post-
war collaboration between Clymer’s revived Indian brand, Italian-made frames, and the British manufacturer
Velocette. The partnership aimed to help Indian compete with Harley-Davidson and growing foreign competition
by rebranding high-quality British machines for the American market.
The Richard Johns Collection
Front Left: AJS 780cc V-Twin OHC World Speed Record Attempt Replica – Estimate £40,000 – 50,000
Front Right: 1933 AJS 474cc 33-7 Camshaft ‘Trophy’ Competition Model – Estimate £15,000 – 25,000
Back Left: 1929/31 AJS 495cc M/S10 – Estimate £12,000 – 15,000
Back Right: c.1927 AJcette 348cc – Estimate £12,000 – 15,000
Richard Johns had a 45-year career in the engine industry, beginning in 1969 as a student with Perkins Engines.
After earning a PhD from Imperial College London in 1980, he worked with AVL, Ricardo Consulting Engineers, and
CD-adapco (now part of Siemens), specialising in Computational Fluid Dynamics for internal combustion engines.
Since retiring in 2015 Richard has been devoted to the restoration of his vintage Overhead Cam AJS and Velocette
motorcycles – which ride just as well as they look!
The original V twin at Arpajon – Copyright: Mortons Archive
Superstar Auctioneer Briony Harford aboard 1955 Vincent 998cc Series-D Black Prince
Estimate £50,000 – 60,000
Ever since the Series-A’s arrival in 1937, the Vincent-HRD v-twin had been synonymous with design innovation,
engineering excellence, and superlative high performance, and in 1955 It had been Philip Vincent’s belief that
provision of ample weather protection combined with enclosure of engine and gearbox would make the Vincent
Series D the ultimate ‘gentleman’s motorcycle’. One of only around 132 Black Prince models ever produced, this
breathtaking 1955 example has undergone a professional restoration by renowned marque specialists, with over
£25,000 invested in its revival.
